Libagon Suspends Classes as Engineers Check Schools After Quake

Posted on August 16, 2026 at 10:20 pm

Tacloban City — Classes in all public and private schools in Libagon, Southern Leyte, were suspended Thursday as the local government checked school buildings for possible damage after a magnitude 4.4 earthquake.

Mayor Oliver Ranque signed Executive Order 42 late Wednesday, ordering the one-day suspension at all levels.

The municipal engineering office, along with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and other agencies, was tasked to inspect school buildings and other facilities.

Ranque said the inspections were needed to make sure the buildings were still safe for students, teachers, and school staff.

The earthquake struck shortly after 4 p.m. on Aug. 5 and was felt in Libagon and nearby areas.

The mayor said keeping students and school personnel out of the buildings for a day would give engineers enough time to check for any damage before classes resume.

Classes are set to resume Friday, unless the municipal government decides otherwise based on the inspection results.

The local government said it would use the findings of the engineering team and other authorities in deciding whether the schools were safe to use.

(Photo caption: Residents and local officials in Libagon, Southern Leyte, take part in an earthquake drill as part of preparations for a possible strong quake.)

Photo courtesy: LGU of Libagon Facebook Page