Most schools reopen after deadly Mindanao quake, but worst-hit areas stay shut

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June 19, 2026 | 3:30pm

MANILA, Philippines — Most public schools in southern Mindanao have been allowed to reopen, nearly two weeks after a powerful earthquake killed dozens, but classes in the two hardest-hit areas remain suspended.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said schools in General Santos City and Sarangani will stay closed until inspectors confirm that school buildings are safe for in-person classes.

Schools in five other areas — Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Sultan Kudarat — resumed classes June 15. 

"The Department of Education has cleared public schools in most affected areas of Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) to resume operations following the June 8 Sarangani earthquake, while continuing safety inspections, learning continuity measures, and mental health and psychosocial support services for affected learners, teachers, and school personnel," it said in a statement on Friday, June 19.

The magnitude 7.8 quake struck off the coast of Sarangani early morning June 8, the first day of the new school year for millions of students in the country. It was the strongest earthquake to hit the Philippines since 1976.  

The department is using a two-stage system to decide when learning can resume.

Areas marked "Hayo" may restart lessons once teachers, pupils and staff are judged safe. 

Those under "Hinto" — a full suspension of academic work — stay closed until local authorities say otherwise. 

General Santos and Sarangani remain under "Hinto."

The numbers

Across the wider region, 6,748 schools had resumed classes as of June 16. Meanwhile, 2,342 schools have still kept their classes suspended.

The department says it is inspecting buildings alongside the public works department, local engineers and council officials before allowing people back inside.

In the region, DepEd recorded 142,821 affected pupils and 7,406 staff.

A total of 1,396 schools reported damaged classrooms. Combined, DepEd recorded at least 1,950 totally damaged classrooms, 2,098 classrooms with major damage, and 6,065 classrooms with minor damage.

DepEd estimates it needs P352 million for clean-up, clearing and basic repairs. To keep children learning while schools are fixed, the department plans to set up 109 temporary "learning continuity spaces."

In the region, DepEd says it has 671 support workers and 2,972 staff trained in psychosocial first aid, based on figures as of June 16.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the return to class would be gradual and would depend on conditions 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," he said. 

(We want children back in school, but we can't rush it if classrooms aren't safe yet, or if pupils and teachers aren't ready.)

The death toll from the quake has climbed to 78.