Angara: 1,129 Schools in Mindanao Affected by Quake as Return to Classes Uncertain

School Damage Assessment Across Mindanao

Education Secretary Sonny Angara reported that 1,129 schools in Mindanao sustained damage from the June 8 earthquake. The affected areas span Soccsksargen, Davao Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Specific sites include public elementary and high schools in General Santos City and surrounding municipalities in Sarangani province.

Angara presented the figure during the Wednesday, June 10 press briefing alongside Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. The count covers structural cracks in classrooms, collapsed perimeter walls, and damaged water systems at these institutions. No additional regions outside Mindanao were included in the assessment.

Impact on Education for Local Communities

The damage directly disrupts daily routines for thousands of students and teachers in barangays across southern Mindanao. Families in Davao Region now face longer commutes to temporary learning spaces while farmers and sari-sari store owners in Sarangani adjust household schedules around school closures.

DepEd records show these schools serve communities where many parents work as OFWs or local agricultural laborers. The closures compound existing challenges such as limited internet access in remote areas and the need for children to help with household chores during extended school absences.

Angara's Timeline for Return to Normal Classes

Secretary Angara stated that the timeline for resuming normal classes remains uncertain. He noted in Filipino that recovery "mukhang tatagal ilang buwan," indicating the process could extend for several months.

This assessment accounts for the need to conduct full structural evaluations and complete repairs at the 1,129 affected sites. Angara emphasized that DepEd teams are prioritizing safety assessments before any phased reopening in Soccsksargen and Bangsamoro areas.

Dizon's Call for Stricter Building Code Enforcement

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon urged stricter enforcement of building codes during the same June 10 briefing. He pointed to the earthquake's intensity as evidence that current standards require immediate review and stronger implementation across government projects.

Dizon also called for full coordination between government agencies and the private sector to speed up response efforts. This includes joint inspections of public infrastructure in General Santos City and Sarangani to prevent further risks to residents.

Hospital Assessments in General Santos and Sarangani

Secretary Dizon confirmed that two main hospitals in General Santos City and Sarangani sustained only minimal damage. Both facilities continue to operate and treat the 487 people injured in the quake, alongside the 45 confirmed fatalities reported as of June 10.

The limited structural impact at these hospitals allows medical staff to focus on patient care rather than evacuation. Local health workers in the affected regions can maintain services for families dealing with injuries from the 10-plus landslides triggered by the event.

Government Coordination and Private Sector Role

Dizon stressed the importance of unified action between national agencies and private partners. The approach aims to address immediate needs in Soccsksargen and Davao Region while planning longer-term rebuilding for schools and roads.

This coordination model draws on past experiences with disaster response in Mindanao, where barangay-level leaders work alongside national teams to distribute aid to affected households.

President Marcos's Visit to San Francisco High School

The briefing also covered the completed rebuilding of San Francisco High School in Quezon City, which was damaged by a fire in June 2025. President Marcos inspected the new buildings and stated that the project shows "Resulta kapag ang pera ng gobyerno, ginagamit sa tama."

The Quezon City project serves as an example of proper use of government funds for education infrastructure, separate from the Mindanao quake response but highlighted for its timely completion.

Community Reactions and Human Impact

Residents in Sarangani and General Santos expressed concern over the extended school closures affecting their children's education. Teachers in Davao Region barangays are preparing alternative learning modules while waiting for repair schedules.

The 45 deaths and 487 injuries have already strained local support networks, with families relying on bayanihan traditions to share resources during the recovery period.

What to Watch For in Coming Weeks

Officials will release updated damage assessments for the 1,129 schools as inspections continue. DepEd and DPWH teams are expected to announce specific repair timelines for priority sites in Soccsksargen and Bangsamoro.

Monitoring will focus on how quickly coordination between government and private sectors translates into visible progress for students and families across Mindanao.