Mindanao quake damages 1,000+ schools, Philippines seeks P245.8 M for repairs

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near Maasim, Sarangani in Mindanao on June 8, damaging more than 1,000 public schools across five regions. The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that 1,022 schools suffered damage, affecting 4,622 classrooms (including 1,462 totally destroyed) and numerous water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the most affected sites in General Santos City.

DepEd estimates an initial funding requirement of P245.8 million—P215.7 million for classroom repairs and P30.1 million for cleanup and debris removal. The agency has already released about P21.9 million for urgent interventions while rapid structural assessments continue to validate school safety and prioritize reconstruction.

Engineers from DepEd and the Department of Public Works and Highways are conducting rapid assessments in the hardest‑hit provinces, including South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and Davao Occidental, to determine which buildings can be reopened and which need repair or closure.