Mindanao quake tests DepEd’s response as over 3M learners affected

Just as the Department of Education (DepEd) opened classes for school year 2026–2027 on June 8, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake jolted Mindanao, affecting over 3 million learners and underscoring the contrast between preparedness and the abrupt transition to disaster response.

Based on DepEd’s initial reports, they emphasized that over 3.2 million students and 128,000 teachers and personnel were affected in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga.

Meanwhile, approximately 6,224 schools across the five regions also felt the effects of the earthquake and aftershocks.

Moreover, a video of a school building collapsing at the Matanao National High School went viral online as the powerful quake shook parts of Mindanao.

DepEd Usec. for Operations Malcolm Garma clarified that no students were in the said building as it was already tagged as “condemned”.

“Condemned building na talaga iyon kaya walang gumagamit nun. Kaya doon sa report natin, walang estudyante doon sa building na iyon (That building is already condemned, that’s why it’s unused. Based on our report, no learners are inside that building),” Garma said.

Following the quake, DepEd has powered its emergency response mechanisms and conducted rapid assessments and structural safety inspections of school facilities in affected areas.

Angara ordered schools to review and strengthen the implementation of earthquake preparedness measures, such as evacuation procedures and regular earthquake drills.

“We understand the concern of our parents, teachers, and learners. Kapag ligtas na ang lahat, saka natin ipagpapatuloy ang pag-aaral. Kaligtasan muna ang una (When everyone is safe, we can continue with education. Safety first),” he stated.

Minor repairs are underway with the aftermath of the earthquake, which up to P50,000 can be charged to the schools’ maintenance and other operating expenses, while major repairs and rehabilitation are covered through DepEd’s separate funding and emergency resources.

PHIVOLCS reported that the earthquake was magnitude 7.8 strong, with a depth of 33 kilometers.