Students and teachers across General Santos City are finally returning to their classrooms after a prolonged suspension of classes caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao earlier this month. The Local Government Unit (LGU) of General Santos City officially lifted the suspension of classes at all levels — both public and private — effective June 18, 2026, through Executive Order No. 38, Series of 2026.
Return to Normalcy
The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit the region in recent years, prompted the City Council to declare a state of calamity and immediately suspend face-to-face classes across all schools in General Santos City. The disruption affected thousands of students from elementary through tertiary levels, as well as the operations of major universities including UST General Santos.
Local education officials have expressed relief at the resumption, noting that the extended break created significant challenges for the academic calendar. School administrators are now working to adjust schedules and ensure that learning continuity plans are in place to help students catch up on missed lessons and activities.
Safety Measures in Place
Before lifting the suspension, the city government conducted safety assessments of school buildings and facilities to ensure they were structurally sound and ready to welcome back learners. The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of General Santos City has coordinated with the LGU to implement protocols that prioritize student safety while minimizing further disruptions to the school year.
Parents and guardians have been advised to monitor official announcements from their respective schools for any updates on class schedules and activities. Some institutions may implement staggered schedules or blended learning approaches as part of the transition back to full operations.
Community Resilience
The quick resumption of classes reflects the resilience of the General Santos City community, which has been working together in the aftermath of the earthquake. Relief operations, infrastructure repairs, and community support initiatives have been ongoing across the city, with local officials and volunteers playing key roles in the recovery effort.
General Santos City, known as one of the most vibrant urban centers in Mindanao, continues to demonstrate its capacity to bounce back from adversity. The return of students to classrooms marks an important milestone in the city’s recovery and a positive sign for the community moving forward.
For the latest updates on General Santos City, stay tuned to local government announcements and community news sources.