GENERAL SANTOS CITY — After weeks of recovery and safety assessments, public elementary and secondary schools here officially reopened for face-to-face classes on August 13, 2026. The return follows the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, temporarily halting in-person learning.
A Safe and Gradual Return
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that learning continuity must go hand in hand with safety. The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of General Santos City led the reopening, following strict guidelines set by Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao. Every school underwent engineering integrity evaluations before being cleared for occupancy.
The first two days, August 13 and 14, were dedicated entirely to mental health and psychosocial support services. Teachers and trained personnel guided students through trauma recovery exercises and school safety orientations. Academic lessons resumed only after these crucial preparation days, ensuring that learners felt secure and supported.
Safety Protocols in Every Classroom
To prevent risks from aftershocks or compromised structures, building occupancy is limited to the first and second floors. Upper levels remain off-limits until full structural engineering clearances are granted. This cautious approach prioritizes the lives of students and staff above all else.
Schools with damaged classrooms are using temporary learning spaces such as ground-level tents and covered courts. Some have shifted to alternative delivery modes, including modular and blended learning, based on facility availability. School heads have the authority to decide the best approach for their specific situation.
Preparing for Future Emergencies
All schools are now required to conduct daily "Duck, Cover, and Hold" drills lasting five to ten minutes. Quarterly campus-wide earthquake evacuation exercises are also mandated. These measures aim to build a culture of preparedness among students and teachers, ensuring they know exactly what to do in an emergency.
DepEd monitoring teams are inspecting schools citywide to verify emergency readiness. Their continuous presence ensures that any new damage or safety concern is immediately addressed. The collaborative effort between the education department, local government, and disaster risk reduction offices is central to this recovery.
A Community Rebuilding Together
The earthquake damaged over 121,000 homes and affected more than 30 percent of structures in General Santos City. The reopening of schools is a powerful symbol of the community's resilience and determination to move forward. It shows that even after disaster, learning and growth can resume with careful planning and collective effort.
The return to classrooms is about more than academics; it is about restoring normalcy and hope for the city's young people. Teachers and parents have worked together to create safe and welcoming spaces. The focus now is on rebuilding lives while continuing the essential work of education.
