DepEd OKs class resumption in most of Mindanao quake-hit public schools

MANILA, Philippines — Most public schools in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) have been cleared to resume classes following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Maasim, Sarangani in Mindanao on June 8, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Friday.

In a statement, DepEd said schools in Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Sultan Kudarat shifted to the “Hayo” (Continue) phase under its Learning Continuity in Emergencies framework on June 15.

This stage allows learning activities to resume once conditions are deemed safe.

However, schools in General Santos City and Sarangani remain under the “Hinto” (Stop) phase until further notice as recovery efforts continue.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency’s response remains anchored on safety, readiness, and the well-being of learners and school personnel.

“In situations like these… the question is not only when classes can resume. More importantly, we must ensure that schools are safe, learners and teachers are ready, and support systems are in place,” Angara said in a press release.

“Structural safety, learning continuity, and psychosocial support must go hand in hand to ensure that schools can recover properly,” he added.

Following the quake, DepEd reported damage in 1,396 schools in the region, including 1,950 classrooms that were totally destroyed, 2,098 with major damage, and 6,065 with minor damage.

Based on its monitoring as of June 16, the earthquake affected 142,821 learners and 7,406 personnel across 39 Schools Division Offices involved in the response.

DepEd said 2,342 schools still had active class suspensions, while 6,748 schools had already resumed classes as of June 16, depending on local safety conditions and advisories.

Meanwhile, the department has mobilized 671 mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) facilitators in Region 12.

Among the support measures being implemented are well-being checks, “Kumustahan” sessions, Psychological First Aid, and other psychosocial activities for affected learners and school personnel. /apl