CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (October 14) — Local governments across Northern Mindanao have ordered the suspension of in-person classes and a temporary shift to modular or online learning while structural safety inspections are underway following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that rocked Mindanao last week.
The LGUs of Magsaysay and Talisayan in Misamis Oriental issued executive orders on Monday halting on-site classes in all levels. The cities of Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, and Gingoog released similar directives Sunday night as assessments continued.
“We’re prioritizing safety. Classes will only resume once school buildings are cleared by engineers and disaster officials,” said Mayor Rolando Uy of Cagayan de Oro. His directive also requires private schools to submit sworn certifications confirming their facilities are structurally sound before reopening.
The decision came after twin aftershocks hit nearby areas early Monday — a magnitude 5.8 tremor in Bogo City, Cebu at 1:06 a.m. and a magnitude 4.0 quake off Manay, Davao Oriental at 12:47 p.m.
In Camiguin, Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo declared all schools safe for use following joint inspections by the Municipal Engineering Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and local disaster teams.
Authorities urged continued vigilance as aftershocks remain possible.
