THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) inspected schools damaged by recent disasters in Davao Occidental to help accelerate recovery efforts following consecutive earthquakes and flash floods in the past weeks.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara personally assessed severely affected school facilities in the municipality of Jose Abad Santos to determine the extent of the damage and coordinate rehabilitation efforts. He also monitored the immediate needs of affected learners, teachers, and displaced families.

Angara was joined by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon during the inspection.

The Education chief emphasized the need for an organized and coordinated multi-agency response to restore normal learning conditions for students and teachers.

“President Bongbong Marcos’ directive is very clear: education cannot wait. We must restore normalcy here as soon as possible,” Angara said. “We are here to ensure that children’s education continues despite the crisis,” he added.

The Cabinet officials visited several schools and public facilities that sustained heavy damage following a series of natural disasters in the region.

On June 8, 2026, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake centered in Maasim, Sarangani province caused widespread damage across Mindanao, including Davao Occidental.