10/06/2026
Episode 45 | Opening of Classes | June 8, 2026 | 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Struck | | Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3BvUiuNuhM |
What was meant to be a bright, exciting, and highly anticipated first day of school last Monday, June 8, 2026, quickly turned into a test of bravery when a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake violently shook Mindanao.
The powerful tremor, which originated offshore from Maasim, Sarangani, hit at 7:37 AM and was felt at a devastating Intensity VII here in Davao Occidental.
Learner Safety Prioritized Over Footage
The morning assembly was graced by the presence of key education officials, including Sir Rommel Jandayan (Division Supervisor of Davao Occidental) and Ma'am Antonita Corpus (Public Schools District Supervisor - PSDS), who joined the school faculty and parents in welcoming the students.
While everyone was actively documenting the first-day assembly, no actual footage of the ongoing earthquake was captured. The moment the violent shaking began, all cameras and recording equipment were immediately dropped or set aside. Sir Rommel, Ma'am Antonita, the teachers, and parents instinctively shifted 100% of their focus to the learners manually guiding, shielding, and evacuating the children to ensure everyone was safe and accounted for.
A Providential Shield
In the wake of the panic, a deeply moving realization swept through the Lafeud ES community. School officials noted that the morning flag ceremony served as a divine instrument of protection. Because the earthquake struck precisely while the children were gathered out in the wide, open assembly area rather than confined inside the classrooms, they were kept completely safe from potential structural hazards or falling indoor debris. Truly, the timing was a saving grace.
Following the tremor, classes were officially suspended across the province. All students were safely and orderly fetched by their parents to return to their respective homes.
We thank the Lord for keeping our little ones safe, and we praise our dedicated leaders, teachers, and parents who did not hesitate to put the safety of our learners above everything else. Let us continue to stay vigilant, look out for one another, and keep praying.
