All school buildings in Zamboanga City remain safe for occupancy after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit parts of Mindanao on Monday, June 8, 2026. Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso made the assurance on Thursday, June 11, based on the results of monitoring and structural assessments conducted by the City Engineer’s Office in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
The earthquake, which was felt at intensity four in Zamboanga City, prompted immediate action from the local government. Mayor Olaso ordered the conduct of thorough assessments to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel as classes resumed following the earthquake.
The earthquake struck as approximately 248,000 students in Zamboanga City were returning to different schools for the first day of classes for School Year 2026-2027. Mayor Olaso had earlier suspended classes as a precautionary measure, prioritizing the safety of students and teachers over academic schedules.
Personnel from the City Engineer’s Office inspected government buildings and school facilities across the city, checking for structural damage, large cracks, and other signs of compromise. The results were generally positive, with no significant structural issues found in school buildings.
However, Mayor Olaso advised school officials to remain vigilant despite the generally favorable assessment. He emphasized that school administrators should immediately report any signs of structural damage, particularly large cracks that may have developed after the earthquake. The city government continues to monitor school facilities and other government-owned structures to ensure ongoing safety.
The earthquake, which originated off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani, affected over 346,000 people across the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). While the Zamboanga Peninsula region experienced the quake’s impact, Zamboanga City’s infrastructure generally withstood the shaking well, a testament to the city’s building standards and disaster preparedness.
The quick response of the City Engineer’s Office and CDRRMO in conducting structural assessments helped allay the fears of parents and school personnel. The city government’s proactive approach to safety demonstrates its commitment to protecting the educational community and ensuring that learning continues without unnecessary risks.
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