Public elementary and secondary schools in General Santos City have resumed face-to-face classes after authorities completed structural assessments and safety checks following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region on June 8.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of General Santos City said the reopening followed structural assessments, safety clearances from concerned agencies and compliance with directives from the city government.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the resumption of classes must prioritize both learning continuity and the safety of students and school personnel.
“Our priority is bringing our children back to school safely. Disaster risk reduction in education isn’t just about repairing walls; it’s about restoring a secure, supportive environment where learners feel confident to study again,” Angara said.
The reopening follows General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao’s Executive Order No. 48, series of 2026, which was issued after consultations among DepEd GenSan, the city government and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
DepEd said Aug. 13 and 14 were set aside for mental health and psychosocial support services and school safety orientations to help learners and personnel adjust before regular academic activities resumed.
Under the city’s school safety guidelines, occupancy is limited to the first two floors of school buildings. Upper floors and structures with damage remain off-limits pending engineering clearance.
Schools with compromised classrooms are using temporary learning spaces on the ground level, covered courts or shifted schedules to continue instruction.
School heads may also implement alternative delivery modalities, including blended, modular or online learning, depending on the readiness of facilities and the number of learners that can safely be accommodated.
DepEd also required schools to conduct daily five- to 10-minute classroom safety drills, including the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” protocol, as part of earthquake preparedness. Quarterly campus-wide evacuation and fire drills will also continue.
School officials have been instructed to check emergency procedures, security measures, first-aid readiness and the availability and distribution of learning materials.
DepEd said the reopening was made possible through coordination with local government units and disaster management authorities.
It urged parents and community members to remain vigilant and rely on official advisories as schools continue recovery efforts and work toward restoring normal operations.
Photo courtesy of AP News
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