General santos city: The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of General Santos (GenSan) City has resumed face-to-face classes across public elementary and secondary schools.
According to Philippines News Agency, the reopening follows comprehensive structural assessments, multi-agency safety clearances, and strict alignment with local government directives after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the region on June 8. Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that disaster recovery must balance learning continuity with uncompromising safety standards for all learners and teaching personnel.
"Our priority is bringing our children back to school safely. Disaster risk reduction in education isn't just about repairing walls; it's about restoring a secure, supportive environment where learners feel confident to study again," he said. He added that close coordination with local government units and disaster management teams made the transition possible.
The reopening aligns with DepEd guidelines on disaster response and safe learning environments, as well as General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao's Executive Order (EO) No. 48, series of 2026. The EO was issued following joint consultations among DepEd GenSan, the city government, and the city disaster risk reduction and management office.
To safeguard learner well-being, Thursday (Aug. 13) and Friday (Aug. 14) were dedicated to mental health and psychosocial support services and school safety orientations, allowing learners and personnel to adjust before academic lessons fully resume. Under the DepEd - General Santos City safety guidelines, building occupancy is strictly restricted to the first two floors, while upper levels and damaged structures remain off-limits pending engineering clearance.
Ground-level Temporary Learning Spaces, covered courts, or shifted schedules are being utilized where classrooms are compromised. To maintain emergency readiness, all schools are mandated to conduct daily 5-to-10-minute classroom drills, such as the "Duck, Cover, and Hold" protocol, alongside quarterly campus-wide evacuation and fire exercises.
School heads have also been granted full authority to implement Alternative Delivery Modalities, including blended, modular, or online learning based on facility readiness and learner density. Campuses were inspected for emergency workflows, check security protocols, ensure first-aid readiness, and confirm the distribution and availability of learning materials.
Parents and community stakeholders were urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to rely on official advisories as schools build resilience and restore normal operations.
