Class Resumption in Samal Island: Schools Reopen After Magnitude 7.8 Mindanao Earthquake
ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, Philippines (June 10, 2026) β Following a brief and necessary suspension to assess public safety, classes at all levels in both public and private schools across the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) have officially resumed today, Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The temporary suspension of classes was mandated on Monday, June 8, 2026, by the Local Government Unit (LGU) under Mayor Lemuel “Toto” T. Reyes. The preventative measure allowed the City Engineering Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and school authorities to conduct comprehensive structural safety inspections in the wake of the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that jolted southern Mindanao.
Mondayβs Magnitude 7.8 Southern Mindanao Earthquake
On Monday morning, June 8, 2026, at approximately 7:37 AM, a massive Mw 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani. The major tectonic event shook the entirety of southern and central Mindanao, registering a strong Intensity V (strong shaking) in the neighboring Davao City and causing noticeable ground tremors across Samal Island.
Out of an abundance of caution, and to ensure the physical integrity of school infrastructure, Mayor Lemuel Reyes placed the cityβs Emergency Operations Center under blue alert status. Coastal evacuations were briefly recommended for low-lying areas, and immediate class suspensions were declared.
βOur utmost priority is always the safety and well-being of our learners, educators, and school personnel,β the Samal Information Office stated. βSuspending classes immediately allowed our assessment teams to inspect classrooms and campus facilities before children returned to school.β
Mondayβs Magnitude 7.8 Southern Mindanao Earthquake
Over the last 48 hours, inspection teams composed of municipal engineers and local disaster personnel deployed across the three major districts of the island: Babak, Samal, and Kaputian.
The LGU confirmed that school facilities, structural foundations, and key routes have undergone rigorous evaluations to make sure they are completely secure. Having found no critical damage that would compromise student safety, the city government gave the green light for the official class resumption in Samal Island today, June 10.
"Amping, Samalenyos!": Key Safety Guidelines as Students Return to School
As classrooms fill once again, the City Government of the Island Garden City of Samal reminds the academic community that safety is a shared, continuous responsibility. The transition back to face-to-face learning requires everyone to remain alert, observant, and proactive.