Manila: The municipal government of Libagon, Southern Leyte has suspended classes in all public and private schools on Thursday to allow authorities to conduct structural safety inspections following a magnitude 4.4 earthquake.

According to Philippines News Agency, under Executive Order 42 signed by Mayor Oliver Ranque late Wednesday, classes at all levels were suspended to facilitate post-earthquake assessments of school buildings and other educational facilities. The order was issued after a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck past 4 p.m. on Aug. 5, affecting Libagon and nearby areas.

"The municipal government recognizes its duty to protect the lives, safety, and well-being of learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and the general public," the executive order read. The mayor said that immediate structural inspections are necessary to assess the integrity of school buildings and ensure they remain safe for occupancy.

The Municipal Engineering Office, in coordination with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and other concerned agencies, will inspect school buildings and other educational facilities throughout the municipality during the one-day suspension. The inspections aim to determine whether the structures remain safe and suitable for continued use after the earthquake.

The municipal government said the temporary suspension of classes would enable authorities to complete the inspections immediately while minimizing risks to students, teachers, and school personnel. Under the order, classes are scheduled to resume on Friday, unless the municipal government issues further directives based on the findings and recommendations of the Municipal Engineering Office and other competent authorities.