General Santos City — Following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit General Santos City on Friday afternoon, the local government here has declared suspension of classes both in public and private schools along with the suspension of work in the city hall.

This comes as Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao has issued Executive Order 82, Series of 2023 which declared classes both in public and private schools from 18 to 21 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,” said the mayor’s order.

“In-person and online classes in all levels in both public and private schools in the City of General Santos are hereby suspended from Saturday until Tuesday while work in government in the city of General Santos on Monday is also hereby suspended,” it added.

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

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

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