CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The opening of classes across Mindanao on Monday was disrupted by a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck off Sarangani Province, prompting class suspensions, damage assessments, and heightened disaster response measures across the region.
In Cagayan de Oro City, Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy immediately ordered the suspension of classes from Preschool to Grade 6 in all public and private schools as a precautionary measure following the strong tremor.
The City Information Office said the suspension was intended to ensure the safety of young learners while authorities inspect school buildings and other public facilities for possible structural damage.
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For secondary-level students, school heads were authorized to determine whether classes would continue based on their assessments of campus safety and local conditions.
Teachers, parents, and students were advised to remain vigilant and monitor official announcements from the city government, particularly as authorities warned of possible aftershocks.
As of Monday morning, no major damage or injuries had been reported in Cagayan de Oro, although local authorities continued inspections and monitoring activities in key public areas.
Elsewhere in Mindanao, initial reports indicated damage to several establishments in Sarangani Province, General Santos City, and parts of Lanao del Sur.
In Malacañang, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed concerned government agencies to immediately undertake response and monitoring efforts in affected areas.
The President said the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had been mobilized to coordinate disaster response operations across Mindanao.
He also instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to pre-position relief supplies and ensure evacuation centers are ready should affected communities require assistance.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways was placed on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations.
“I am also ordering the suspension of classes in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. The safety of our children comes first. DepEd will coordinate with local government units on this,” Marcos said in a statement.
Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage while monitoring aftershocks and other potential hazards resulting from the earthquake.
