Kidapawan City, North Cotabato — Public schools in Kidapawan City are among those cleared to resume classes after a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province on June 8, 2026, affecting thousands of learners and school personnel across Region XII.
The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that schools in Kidapawan, along with those in Cotabato, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Sultan Kudarat, have transitioned to the “Hayo” phase under its Learning Continuity in Emergencies framework. This phase allows learning activities to resume once safety conditions are met in the classroom.
Massive Impact on Schools Across Region XII
The powerful earthquake, which registered Intensity V in Kidapawan City, caused widespread damage to educational infrastructure. According to DepEd’s latest figures, the disaster affected a staggering 142,821 learners and 7,406 personnel across 39 Schools Division Offices involved in response efforts.
The damage assessment revealed that 1,396 schools were impacted, including:
- 1,950 classrooms totally damaged
- 2,098 classrooms with major damage
- 6,065 classrooms with minor damage
As of June 16, DepEd reported that 6,748 schools had already resumed classes, while 2,342 schools remained under class suspension, subject to local safety conditions and advisories from local government units.
Structural Inspections Underway
DepEd is conducting comprehensive structural safety inspections in coordination with local government units, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local engineering offices to ensure that buildings are safe for students and teachers before classes resume.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the safety of learners and educators remains the top priority. “We want learners to return to their studies, but we cannot rush the process if classrooms are not yet safe or if learners and teachers are not yet ready,” Angara said.
Recovery and Psychosocial Support
DepEd has identified P352.3 million in immediate funding requirements for cleanup, debris clearing, and minor repairs in affected schools. The agency also plans to deploy 109 Learning Continuity Spaces to support learning activities while damaged facilities are being repaired.
Recognizing the emotional toll of the disaster on students and staff, DepEd has mobilized 671 psychosocial support facilitators in Region XII. Additionally, 2,972 DepEd personnel have received training on mental health and psychosocial support, including Psychological First Aid.
Kidapawan’s Resilience Shines Through
Known as the “City of Fruits and Highland Springs” and located at the foot of Mount Apo, Kidapawan City has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of natural disasters. As the capital of North Cotabato province and a 1st income class city, Kidapawan continues to serve as a vital educational and economic hub in the Soccsksargen region.
The city’s recovery from this earthquake adds to its long history of bouncing back from challenges, reinforcing the spirit of its people — embodied in its motto, “Nakapangyayari ang Sambayanan” (The People are Sovereign).
DepEd continues to coordinate with regional offices, local governments, DPWH, and education partners as recovery and rehabilitation efforts progress in Kidapawan and other earthquake-affected communities across Mindanao.
Related: Latest news from Mindanao cities | Philippines disaster preparedness updates