In General Santos City, face-to-face classes resumed on August 13, 2026, after a suspension due to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on June 8. Parents are expressing significant concerns regarding the safety of school facilities.
Parents Demand Safety Assurance
It's okay because the aftershocks are not as strong as the earthquake before, but I could not also say that it’s really safe now.
Willa Bravo, Parent
Willa Bravo, a parent of two boys enrolled at Balunto-Labangal Elementary School, shared her belief that in-person classes provide a better educational experience. However, she remains uncertain about the safety of the school buildings.
Another parent, identified only as Jay, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that schools need to enhance their earthquake preparedness protocols.
- Conduct regular earthquake drills for students and teachers.
- Train parents on appropriate emergency responses.
Executive Order No. 48, issued by the local government, mandates compliance with safety protocols. Schools must ensure structural integrity and limit occupancy in multi-story buildings to the first two floors unless cleared by disaster management authorities.
The order also emphasizes mental health support and disaster preparedness training for both students and school personnel during the reopening.
As classes resume, the city government is stressing the importance of ongoing safety measures, aiming to reassure parents and ensure a secure learning environment for all students.