Most schools in earthquake-hit Region XII to resume classes; GenSan, Sarangani remain suspended

Most public schools affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani earlier this month are expected to resume classes, although those in General Santos City and Sarangani remain suspended as recovery efforts continue, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

In a statement issued Friday, the DepEd said schools in Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Sultan Kudarat have transitioned to the “Hayo” phase under its Learning Continuity in Emergencies framework, allowing learning activities to resume once safety conditions are met.

Schools in General Santos City and Sarangani, however, remain under the “Hinto” phase, which temporarily suspends academic learning while authorities continue safety assessments and await guidance from local government units.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said class resumption should be guided by safety and readiness on the ground.

“Gusto nating makabalik ang mga bata sa pag-aaral, pero hindi natin puwedeng madaliin kung hindi pa ligtas ang classroom o kung hindi pa handa ang learners at teachers,” Angara said.

(“We want learners to return to their studies, but we cannot rush the process if classrooms are not yet safe or if learners and teachers are not yet ready.”)

As of June 16, DepEd said the earthquake had affected 142,821 learners and 7,406 personnel across 39 Schools Division Offices involved in response efforts.

The agency also reported damage to 1,396 schools, including 1,950 classrooms that were totally damaged, 2,098 with major damage, and 6,065 with minor damage.

DepEd said 6,748 schools had resumed classes as of June 16, while 2,342 schools remained under class suspension, subject to local safety conditions and advisories.

To support recovery efforts, the department is conducting structural safety inspections in coordination with local government units, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local engineering offices.

In General Santos City, 115 of 119 schools had undergone inspection as of June 15, with 76 schools cleared for occupancy.

DepEd said it had identified P352.3 million in immediate funding requirements for cleanup, debris clearing, and minor repairs in affected schools.

The agency also plans to deploy 109 Learning Continuity Spaces to support learning activities while damaged facilities are being repaired.

Meanwhile, DepEd continues to roll out mental health and psychosocial support services for affected learners and personnel.

In Region XII, 671 psychosocial support facilitators have been mobilized, while 2,972 DepEd personnel have received training on mental health and psychosocial support, including Psychological First Aid.

The department said it will continue coordinating with regional offices, local governments, DPWH, and education partners as recovery and rehabilitation efforts continue in earthquake-affected communities. — Sherylin Untalan/RSJ, GMA News