Blended learning takes center stage in Soccsksargen amid post-quake safety inspections
In the wake of Friday’s magnitude 7.6 earthquake and ongoing aftershocks, schools across Soccsksargen (SOX) have paused traditional face-to-face classes and turned to blended and asynchronous learning. Local authorities say the shift is essential to safeguard students, teachers, and staff while engineers assess school facilities for structural integrity.
General Santos City led the way, announcing a move to asynchronous learning on Monday, October 13, and Tuesday, October 14. The plan is to allow time for comprehensive structural inspections and safety assessments before any decision on resuming in-person classes. The city government emphasized that the transition is also meant to protect the mental and emotional well-being of the school community during a period of elevated risk and disruption.
In parallel, the Sarangani Provincial Information Office reported that Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao issued Executive Order No. 32, Series of 2025, suspending face-to-face classes province-wide on the same dates. The order directs schools and local education authorities to implement alternative learning modalities while safety checks are underway. Government work, the order notes, will continue, and face-to-face classes are expected to resume once engineers issue written clearances confirming safe operating conditions.
The ripple effect of the disaster extended beyond Sarangani. Several municipalities in neighboring South Cotabato also announced one-day suspensions to accommodate inspections. Poliolo- (Polomolok) Mayor Bernie D. Palencia urged students to switch to asynchronous or online learning for October 13. Tantangan Mayor Timee G. Torres-Gonzales issued a similar advisory, reflecting a coordinated regional response to the quake’s ongoing risk assessment.
Other towns, including Kidapawan and Norala, followed suit with one-day suspensions to give schools room for risk evaluation and to implement blended learning modalities where necessary. The common thread across these cities and municipalities is a cautious approach that prioritizes safety while maintaining educational continuity through digital and print-based learning options.
Experts and education officials say blended learning—combining limited in-person supervision when safe with asynchronous lessons and online resources—can help minimize disruption while maintaining instructional quality. Officials also note that this approach reduces crowding, enables flexible pacing, and allows teachers to tailor content to individual classroom needs as assessments continue and infrastructure checks proceed.
Schools are leveraging multiple channels to deliver instruction during this period. Online platforms, offline learning packets, and teacher-led radio or television segments may be used to ensure that students without reliable internet access remain engaged. Education authorities say these measures are temporary, and they expect a gradual return to normal operations as building inspections are completed and facilities receive official clearance.
Beyond the immediate educational impact, the government’s decisions highlight the role of preparedness and resilience in Philippine schooling. The incident underscores the importance of robust safety protocols, regular structural audits, and clear communication with families to manage expectations and reduce anxiety during post-disaster recovery.
Looking ahead, officials say a data-driven review will determine when classrooms can reopen safely on a city- or province-wide basis. Until then, schools will continue with blended learning deployments, prioritize mental health support, and maintain transparent updates for parents and communities as engineers complete inspections and issue safety clearances.
Why blended learning matters in disaster-prone regions
Regions like SOX face unique challenges from seismic activity. Blended learning, when implemented thoughtfully, offers a practical path to preserve instructional time while ensuring safety. It also provides an opportunity to invest in digital infrastructure, teacher training, and community partnerships that enhance resilience for future events.
