MANILA (October 12) – All parishes and Catholic schools in Davao Oriental have been ordered to stop using their buildings until they are declared structurally safe, following the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that struck on October 10.
In a circular issued Saturday, Bishop Abel Apigo of Mati emphasized that safety is the top priority. He directed parish priests and administrators not to use church buildings until clearance is issued by local authorities. The directive also applies to Catholic schools, whose administrators must ensure proper inspections before resuming classes.
Parish priests may hold Masses in alternative venues, with Apigo urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith during recovery.
Meanwhile, national officials met with local leaders in Mati to assess quake damage, focusing on infrastructure, schools, and affected communities.
