Dominican Schools Face Warnings Over Earthquake Safety

Dominican schools could face severe risks during a major earthquake, Eduardo Hidalgo, president of the Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP), warned as he called for an urgent nationwide assessment of public school infrastructure.

Hidalgo argued that the country’s schools may not be capable of withstanding a powerful earthquake and pointed to the destruction of a three-story school in Puerto Plata during a 6.5-magnitude earthquake on September 22, 2003. The building suffered the collapse of one floor, although the timing of the quake prevented a larger loss of life.

Teachers’ Union Reports Widespread Damage

According to an investigation cited by the ADP president, 57% of public schools have cracks in floors, walls or roofs. Hidalgo said the remaining 43% may also be vulnerable because they would not withstand an earthquake exceeding magnitude 7.

The warning comes as recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia have again highlighted the potential consequences of major seismic events in the region. Hidalgo said the Dominican Republic shares geological fault systems with the wider Caribbean region and should therefore review the condition of its school infrastructure before a major disaster occurs.

He stressed that the risk is particularly serious because schools could also be expected to serve as shelters during emergencies. A damaged or collapsed school would therefore affect not only students and teachers but also communities seeking refuge after a disaster.

Puerto Plata Earthquake Remains a Warning

Hidalgo recalled the 2003 earthquake in Puerto Plata as an example of what could happen if a similar event struck during school hours. The earthquake occurred shortly after midnight on a Sunday, when school buildings were empty.

He argued that the outcome could have been dramatically different had the same earthquake occurred on a weekday while students, teachers and administrative staff were inside the building.

The ADP leader specifically identified areas around Puerto Plata, Hermanas Mirabal and Espaillat as locations requiring particular attention because of the geological faults in those areas.

Education Debate Extends Beyond School Infrastructure

Hidalgo also criticized the Dominican Republic’s current approach to teaching national history, accusing the Ministry of Education (Minerd) and historians involved in pre-university textbooks of presenting what he considers a different interpretation of the country’s history and struggle for sovereignty.

He specifically invoked the legacy of Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the founders of the Dominican Republic, while arguing that changes to historical narratives should not undermine the country’s national identity.

Hidalgo said his position should not be interpreted as opposition to Haitian students or to universal access to education. The ADP, he said, recognizes education as a universal right, while maintaining that Dominican history should be taught from a perspective that preserves its national context.

Opposition to Education Ministry Merger

The ADP president also reiterated his opposition to a proposed merger involving the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Mescyt).

Hidalgo argued that pre-university education and university education have different needs and should retain distinct institutional profiles. He said the union supports stronger investment in science, technology and research but does not consider merging the ministries a solution to the education system’s existing problems.

His criticism also extended to the administration of President Luis Abinader, which he accused of failing to resolve fundamental challenges facing public education. Hidalgo said the country is attempting to prepare 21st-century students through an education system he considers outdated.

For Dominican families, however, the most immediate concern raised by Hidalgo is the physical safety of school buildings. His call for a nationwide structural assessment places earthquake preparedness alongside the broader challenges facing the country’s public education system.