GENERAL SANTOS CITY —  In light of the aftermath of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit General Santos City, Friday afternoon, the city government has declared suspension of classes both in public and private schools along with the suspension of work in the city hall.

Executive Order No. 82, Series of 2023 issued by City Mayor, Lorelie Pacquiao declared classes both in public and private schools beginning from 18 until 21 of November 2023 canceled and suspended to give way for assessment of infrastructures and buildings. "To ensure the safety and welfare of the people, there is a need to conduct structural integrity assessments of the buildings in the City of General Santos, clearing, cleaning, and recovery measures," the order disposed.

"In-person and online classes in all levels in both public and private schools in the City of General Santos are hereby suspended from November 18 (Saturday) to 21 (Tuesday), 2023… Work in government in the city of General Santos on November 20 (Monday) is also hereby suspended," the mayor's order added.

To recall, at about 4:14 in the afternoon on Friday, 17 November 2023, a 6.8 magnitude quake with an intensity of 6 struck the city leaving 3 people dead and over 300 injured per police reports.

The city government quickly initiated its crisis response through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to avert the situation.

Meanwhile, the Province of Sarangani through Governor Rogelio Pacquiao has also issued an Executive Order declaring the suspension of classes in the whole province.

Executive Order No. 71, Series of 2023 mandated a suspension of face-to-face classes and encouraged a work-from-home setting.

"Face-to-face classes or in-person classes in all levels of both private and public institutions, shall be suspended from 20 November (Monday) to 21 November (Tuesday)…School heads are hereby directed to ensure that immediate, rapid, and thorough structural assessment and inspection of their educational facilities are duly conducted by the RDADA of their respective localities and/or by the duly authorized Engineer of the Department of Education (DepEd) Provincial Office… Work-from-home arrangements shall be conducted in all offices of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and in all local offices of the National Government Agencies (NGAs)," the order said.