PRESIDENT MARCOS ORDERS SUSPENSION OF CLASSES IN AREAS AFFECTED BY 7.8 MAGNITUDE QUAKE

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday declared a suspension of classes in areas hit by the deadly 7.8 magnitude quake in Mindanao.

The Department of Education (DepEd), in a statement said, that based on an initial report, the Matanao National High School in Davao del Sur, collapsed after the earthquake.

“Because of the effect of the earthquake and aftershocks, classes at all levels in affected areas in Mindanao were suspended on orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” it said.

The Education Department immediately mobilized their engineers in the affected regions, particularly in DepEd Regional Office XII, to inspect school facilities impacted by the earthquake.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the deployment  of DepEd’s structural engineers is to inspect facilities in earthquake-hit areas in Mindanao, prioritizing the safety of learners and personnel before classes resume.

Angara is closely monitoring developments in the affected areas and confirmed that they have already conducted immediate inspections of local classrooms following the strong tremor.

“The safety of our learners, teachers, and school personnel remains our top priority, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure that schools are safe before classes resume,” Angara said.

Meanwhile. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the DSWD has over 1.1 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) in Mindanao available for augmentation to affected families and individuals. 

The DSWD chief said the concerned Field Offices (FOs) have been directed to deploy their mobile command centers, mobile kitchens, and other needed equipment and resources. 

The DSWD also warned the public to closely monitor and coordinate with their respective LGUs to locate the nearest evacuation center, as aftershocks are expected.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has activated its volunteers and deployed ambulances in earthquake-hit areas following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

As part of its immediate response, 17 Red Cross volunteers have been activated while ambulances were deployed in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Gingoog City to assist affected communities and monitor the situation on the ground.

In North Cotabato National High School, PRC responders provided assistance to four students who experienced hyperventilation following the earthquake.

PRC chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said the deployment of emergency teams is to conduct critical safety sweeps, rapid damage assessments, and life-saving interventions.

He said that in case of emergencies, public may contact the Red Cross Hotline at 143 or reach out to your local PRC Chapter.

Gordon also called for the immediate inspection of buildings and critical infrastructure damaged by the earthquake that struck off Sarangani, stressing the need to ensure public safety and determine whether anyone remains trapped under collapsed structures and debris.

He urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units, and disaster response agencies to conduct comprehensive assessments of damaged schools, government buildings, bridges, roads, and other vital infrastructure in affected areas.