GENERAL SANTOS CITY — City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao has extended the suspension of classes at all levels until 24 November 2023.

In her recent Executive Order No. 83, series of 2023, Pacquiao in her order said that "after thorough evaluation and consultation with the concerned offices, such as the Department of Education, it was recommended that classes in all levels in both public and private schools in the City of General Santos be further suspended until November 24, 2023 (Friday) to spare the pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching personnel in schools from unnecessary dangers to their lives and limbs and to protect their psychosocial welfare."

To recall, on Saturday, 18 November, the city mayor has already ordered the suspension of classes until 21 November as a result of the 6.8 magnitude quake that hit General Santos and other nearby areas including Sarangani Province.

The suspension of classes order based on the discretion of the school heads shall use other modalities of learning such as distance learning and online classes.

The city through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has recently released its progress report to measure the extent of damage caused by the earthquake. The CDRRMO in its report said that at least 48 houses were damaged affecting seven barangays. It also reported that as of writing, there were three confirmed deaths, 514 injured in total, and 22 of the victims are currently admitted at different hospitals in the city. It noted that there were also 1,403 mall employees from SM General Santos, Gaisano Mall, KCC Mall, and Robinsons' Place Gensan affected by the aftermath.

LGU-Gensan has already coordinated with the different HR offices of the said establishments in order for the employees to receive aid and grants from the city government.

Meanwhile, General Santos City Mayior Lorelie Pacquiao has informed that the city will not be put in a state of calamity and vowed that there is ample support and funds both from local and national agencies to address the situation.