Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat — Face-to-face classes in Tacurong City and two other coastal towns in Sultan Kudarat province have officially resumed after being suspended for nearly three weeks due to a persistent earthquake swarm that rattled the region starting in late January 2026.
The suspension, which affected all levels of education from elementary to senior high school, was lifted on Monday, February 9, 2026, after authorities determined that conditions had stabilized and it was safe for students and teachers to return to classrooms.
Earthquake Swarm Disrupts Daily Life
An earthquake swarm is a sequence of many small-to-moderate earthquakes occurring in a specific area over a short period of time without a single dominant mainshock. In the case of Sultan Kudarat, the province logged an astonishing 3,319 earthquakes over a two-week period, causing widespread concern among residents and prompting local officials to take precautionary measures.
The swarm affected three coastal towns in the province, including Tacurong City, the commercial and educational hub of Sultan Kudarat. During the suspension period, students shifted to modular learning arrangements to ensure continuity of education while safety assessments were ongoing.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu ordered the suspension of classes and government work as a precautionary measure while the earthquake swarm was at its peak. The provincial government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-12), also provided food assistance to affected residents, particularly in the Lebak area where the tremors were most intensely felt.
Recent assessments from concerned authorities indicated that conditions in the affected areas had stabilized, prompting the governor to lift the suspension effective February 9.
Community Resilience
The swift resumption of classes reflects the resilience of Tacurongnons and the proactive approach of local government officials in balancing public safety with the educational needs of the community. Parents and teachers expressed relief at the return to normalcy, while local officials reminded residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any eventualities.
Tacurong City, known as the "City of Goodwill," continues to demonstrate its commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents. For more local news and updates about Tacurong City, stay tuned to phshirt.com.
Sources: MindaNews, INQUIRER.net