Sarangani suspends classes, gov’t work Friday after M6.4 quake

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines — The provincial government of Sarangani has suspended in-person classes at all levels and work in government offices on Friday, Oct. 9, to allow safety inspections and damage assessments following the magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on Thursday afternoon.

In Memorandum Circular No. 2026-10-01 issued Thursday, the suspension covers all public and private schools and government offices across the province.

The Sarangani provincial government said the suspension was based on recommendations from the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Sarangani and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Magnitude 5.2 earthquake hits off Sarangani shore on Friday

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

The move aims to give authorities time to inspect school buildings and government facilities, assess possible structural damage, and conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA).

The earthquake struck at around 4:07 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8.

Government personnel involved in emergency response, healthcare, medical services, peace and order, public safety, and disaster management are exempted from the suspension and must continue providing essential services.

Other government offices have been directed to adopt alternative work arrangements, including work-from-home or remote setups.

Article continues after this advertisement

Private businesses in the province were also strongly encouraged to consider flexible work arrangements or temporary work suspensions to ensure the safety of their employees.The memorandum was signed by Vice Gov. Danny A. Martinez, serving as officer-in-charge of the Officer of the Provincial Governor.

The circular took effect immediately upon its issuance on Thursday. /cb