DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 6 August 2026) — The Department of Education is seeking alternative locations for heavily damaged schools in Jose Abad Santos (JAS), Davao Occidental, following quakes that began in June, as some areas have been declared no-build zones. JAS Mayor Jason John Joyce stated that the DepEd central office committed to providing learning continuity spaces but is still searching for suitable areas, as some school compounds no longer have available space. At least three other schools, including Fontanares High School in Barangay Sugal and Guillermo High School in Barangay Nuing, suffered heavy damage alongside Kalbay National High School in Barangay Kalbay. Another affected school is the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology-JAS extension in Barangay Caburan Big. Classes resumed last Monday but were disrupted by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake on Wednesday. Kalbay National High School, severely damaged during the June 8 magnitude 7.8 quake, has seen its structures worsen with each aftershock. Joyce is in discussions with the school head to build makeshift classrooms while awaiting national budget allocation for reconstruction. Teachers and students at KNHS are currently conducting activities under makeshift tents. (Yas D. Ocampo / MindaNews)
