Sarangani suspends classes on Nov 20-21 for post-quake infra inspection

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Sarangani province has suspended face-to-face and online classes for two days to pave the way for inspection of infrastructure in quake-hit municipalities.

Based on an order issued Sunday, classes in all levels of both public and private schools within the province are postponed on Monday (November 20) and Tuesday (November 21).

Work-from-home arrangements will likewise be made available for non-teaching or administrative personnel of schools as well as for local and national government offices in Sarangani.

The order, however, exempts government bodies directly involved in the maintenance of peace and order and critical emergency services from the work-from-home setup.

READ: Strong quake hits Mindanao; 2 dead

The order emphasized that post-earthquake inspection of government structures, public roads and bridges, and hospital buildings in the province would be conducted during the period.

It likewise advised the public to thoroughly survey their respective homes and workspaces, as well as other infrastructures in their surroundings.

The local government assured affected residents of swift response from the Provincial Health Office and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

READ: Quake-hit Mindanao folk assured of prompt, effective response

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported that approximately 16 schools in Sarangani were damaged from the temblor. The agency said the cost of damage was estimated to reach P111 million.

DepEd also noted that schools in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, General Santos City, and South Cotabato were also damaged from the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked a large portion of Mindanao on Friday, November 17, with the highest reported intensity felt in the municipality of Glan, Sarangani province.