DAVAO ORIENTAL — The Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up recovery and rehabilitation measures to help thousands of learners and teachers in Mindanao return to their normal schooling routines after the powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental, on October 10.
According to the latest report from DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), at least 82 learners and 45 teachers sustained injuries during the quake, which caused widespread damage to schools and facilities across several provinces. Initial assessments revealed that over 12,000 schools were affected, with 1,164 classrooms sustaining minor damage, 255 moderately damaged, and 376 totally destroyed.
DepEd said that around 46,646 learners and 4,188 teachers were directly impacted by the tremor, while more than 300 schools were rendered unfit for use, forcing the suspension of classes in at least 599 schools across Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental.
To ensure learning continuity, the department has mobilized its Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADaR) teams and DRRM field offices to conduct school-by-school inspections and recommend appropriate interventions. Temporary learning spaces are being prepared in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies.
“DepEd remains focused on the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and personnel. We are working to ensure that education services resume as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Chief Media Relations Officer Dennis E. Legaspi, emphasizing that the department is closely monitoring conditions in affected regions.
DepEd also confirmed that it is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to assess structural integrity, repair minor damages, and identify schools that require complete reconstruction. Coordination with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is ongoing to fast-track assistance and mobilize resources for rehabilitation.
In the meantime, DepEd regional offices have activated their alternative delivery modes (ADMs) and modular learning options to minimize class disruptions while damaged classrooms are being repaired. Teachers are also being provided with psychosocial support and materials to help students cope with trauma caused by the earthquake.
Phivolcs reported that the 7.4-magnitude quake, which was tectonic and shallow in origin, struck at 9:43 a.m., shaking large parts of Mindanao and prompting precautionary evacuations in coastal communities. A magnitude 6.9 aftershock followed at 7:12 p.m., further intensifying fears among residents and damaging already weakened structures.
As aftershocks continue, DepEd assured the public that safety remains the top priority. “Our learners must feel safe and supported before classes fully resume,” Legaspi said. “Education recovery is not just about rebuilding classrooms—it’s about restoring normalcy and hope.”