3,500 schools remain closed after Mindanao earthquake — DepEd

Thousands of students in Mindanao remain unable to return to their classrooms more than a week after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region, with around 3,500 schools still under class suspension as authorities work to restore normal learning operations.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said most of the affected schools that have yet to resume classes are located in Region XI (Davao Region) and Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), areas among those hardest hit by the June 8 earthquake.

During his inspection of the heavily damaged Malapatan National High School in Sarangani on Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered continuous assessments of affected schools and directed DepEd to identify teachers who were also affected by the earthquake so they may receive housing and financial assistance from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

The DepEd reported that 5,590 affected schools have already resumed classes, but thousands remain unable to reopen due to safety concerns and damage to school facilities.

Among the damaged institutions is Malapatan National High School, which has 2,408 learners and 129 school personnel. The school sustained major structural damage, including 22 classrooms that were declared totally damaged.

To ensure learning continues despite damaged infrastructure, Marcos instructed the Education Department to establish Learning Continuity Spaces in areas where classrooms can no longer be used. Schools that remain closed or have insufficient facilities will also implement blended and flexible learning arrangements, while learning packets will be provided to affected students.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the department is also conducting clean-up and clearing operations, minor repairs, and engineering assessments before students are allowed to return to face-to-face classes.

DepEd estimated that it would need P363.521 million for its immediate response requirements in quake-hit schools.

The department also said seven schools, particularly in the Sarangani municipalities of Glan, Maitum, and Malapatan, are still being used as evacuation centers.

Apart from restoring classrooms, DepEd said it is coordinating with other government agencies to provide affected communities with learning materials, psychological first aid, and other support services as schools recover from the disaster. — RSJ, GMA News