Public and private schools in Medellin reopened for face-to-face classes on Monday, January 5, after a months-long suspension following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Northern Cebu on September 30, 2025.
The town was among the hardest-hit areas, along with Bogo City, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, and Borbon, where the quake caused extensive damage to buildings, roads, and communities.
Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbangon signed Executive Order No. 001, Series of 2026, formally lifting the suspension.
The order cited the dual need to resume learning while prioritizing student and staff safety, allowing schools flexibility in scheduling based on which classrooms were safe for use.
“Only school facilities and classrooms deemed safe for occupancy shall be reopened, while those that are unsafe shall remain closed until appropriate measures or repairs are completed,” the order said.
Public school buildings were inspected by engineers from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Private schools followed inspections and recommendations from their authorized engineers or regulatory authorities.
School administrations were permitted to implement adjusted schedules, blended learning, or other arrangements depending on the availability of safe classrooms.
School leaders were also directed to maintain earthquake preparedness protocols, conduct regular building monitoring, and ensure evacuation and emergency plans were ready.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), and Municipal School Board were tasked to coordinate closely with schools, provide technical assistance, and monitor conditions regularly.
The quake left lasting impacts across northern Cebu. Provincial officials reported last year that more than P5 billion would be needed to repair damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and schools.
The DPWH noted that around P4.18 billion of this funding would go toward repairing or reconstructing 143 public school buildings damaged by the earthquake.
While national roads and bridges have largely been restored and remain passable, inspections and rehabilitation efforts continue to ensure classrooms are safe for returning students and teachers.
