The Department of Education (DepEd) in General Santos City has beefed up its preparations for the resumption of face-to-face classes after nearly two months of suspension due to the effects of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake.

It has also strengthened security at schools amid online shooting threats targeting campuses.

It can be recalled that the opening of face-to-face classes for School Year 2026–2027 on June 8 was disrupted after a powerful tremor struck Maasim, Sarangani.

In General Santos City, several schools were also damaged, prompting the suspension of face-to-face classes.

After nearly two months of modular learning, DepEd has started preparing for the resumption of face-to-face classes, which is scheduled to begin on August 3, based on the recommendation of the local government.

DepEd is only awaiting the LGU’s official executive order on the matter.

However, DepEd clarified that not all of the 118 public schools will return to face-to-face classes just yet.

For instance, one school in Barangay Calumpang will continue with modular learning as six of its high-rise buildings are still undergoing rehabilitation and demolition.

“Na-classify na namo ang schools nga naay mga mag-full face to face sila, naay mag three days face to face, and two days modular tungod sa mga classrooms nga dili magamit,” DepEd GenSan Schools Division Superintendent Isagani Dela Cruz said.

Part of the agency’s preparations also includes strengthening security measures in schools, especially after two schools in the city received online shooting threats.

The individuals behind the posts allegedly threatened to shoot students and teachers during the opening of in-person classes.

“Dili man sila estudyante kay pagberipika natin didto sa SPED wala ilang name. Pagpanghadlok, we treat this as a serios (thing),” GenSan City Police OIC Director, Col. Ariel Acala, said.

As part of preparations for possible shooting incidents, DepEd is also set to conduct active shooter drills.

“Well as soon makabalik nas sa school ang atung mga kabataan kay didto man gud ang area kung paano sila mag respond kanang ‘rub, hide, at fight.’ with the coordination sa ating kapulisan,” Dela Cruz added.