Schools in Medellin, Cebu are set to welcome students back to their classrooms after a major earthquake disrupted operations last year. The local government has officially lifted the suspension on in-person learning following rigorous safety checks.
Executive Order Lifts Class Suspension
Mayor Edwin Salimbangon signed Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026 on January 3, 2026, formally revoking the suspension order. The decision paves the way for the resumption of face-to-face classes in all public and private schools starting Monday, January 5, 2026.
The suspension was originally implemented as a precaution after the powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck northern Cebu on September 30, 2025. The tremor caused significant infrastructure damage, including to a bridge in Barangay Poblacion, Medellin, which sustained damage and was left with only one lane passable as of Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Rigorous Safety Inspections Conducted
The green light for reopening came only after a thorough assessment of school buildings and facilities. Teams of engineers from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted inspections to ensure structural integrity.
For private institutions, the evaluations and recommendations of their own authorized engineers or regulatory bodies were followed. The executive order is clear: only classrooms and school facilities deemed safe for use are permitted to reopen. Any areas found to be unsafe will remain closed until necessary repairs and other safety measures are completed.
Flexible Learning Arrangements for Safety
Understanding that not all facilities may be immediately operational, the order provides school administrations with flexibility. They are authorized to decide on their class schedules and learning modalities based on the number of available safe classrooms.
Schools may implement several strategies to ensure continuity and safety, including:
- Adjusted class schedules or shifting systems.
- Blended learning approaches, combining in-person and remote methods.
- Other suitable learning delivery modes that prioritize student and staff welfare.
Furthermore, school heads and administrators are mandated to strictly enforce safety and preparedness measures. This includes continuous monitoring of buildings, dissemination of disaster preparedness protocols, and readiness of evacuation and emergency response plans.
Local offices, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), and the Municipal School Board, are ordered to collaborate closely with school authorities. Their role involves regular monitoring and providing technical assistance whenever necessary to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone.
