Chalssea Kate Echegoyen

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, along with Cabinet Secretaries Vince Dizon and Rex Gatchalian, and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, visited public schools damaged by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in General Santos City on June 10, 2026.
Marcos inspected Romana Acharon Elementary School and General Santos City National High School, which were damaged by the strong quake. Marcos also took the opportunity to check on affected educators and personnel.
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Article (news)

MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE- GEN SAN- SCHOOLS

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has resumed limited operations at Makar Port in General Santos City following structural inspections and engineering assessments conducted in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Mindanao.</p><p>The decision comes as authorities continue recovery and rehabilitation efforts across affected areas, where the death toll has risen to at least 68, with 33 individuals still reported missing, according to disaster officials.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/17/death-toll-from-mindanao-quake-rises-to-68-as-33-remain-missing-1256">Death toll from Mindanao quake rises to 68 as 33 remain missing</a></div><p>Under this approach, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed agencies to adopt a coordinated, whole-of-nation recovery effort focused not only on emergency assistance but also on long-term reconstruction, including housing, livelihoods, and critical public infrastructure such as ports, roads, and government facilities.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>PHASED REOPENING FOR SAFETY</strong></div><p>According to the PPA, initial assessments found that portions of the port remain safe for vessel and cargo operations, allowing authorities to partially reopen the facility while rehabilitation work continues.</p><p>The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.&#x27;s directive to immediately restore essential government services and transportation facilities in areas affected by the earthquake.</p><p>Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the PPA are accelerating repair and rehabilitation efforts to fully restore operations at one of Mindanao&#x27;s busiest ports.</p><p>“Pinamamadali na sa atin ng Pangulo ang pagsasaayos ng Port of GenSan kaya kasama ng ating PPA sa pamumuno ni General Manager Jay Santiago, talagang binibilisan natin ang pagsasaayos ng pantalan kasi hindi pwedeng magtagal na hindi mag-operate,” Lopez said.</p><p>&quot;Mahalaga ito sa mga residente ng General Santos at malaking bahagi ng ekonomiya ang umaasa rito,&quot; he added.</p><p>Based on findings from the PPA Engineering Office, the port&#x27;s Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) Wharf was found to be structurally sound and capable of safely handling regular vessel traffic and cargo operations.</p><p>PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the phased reopening aims to ensure the continued movement of goods while prioritizing public safety.</p><p>“Nakita natin sa assessment na apektado yung operations ng port pero kaya naman ito kahit limited lang. Bago natin binuksan tiniyak muna natin na safe talaga siyang magagamit ng mga port users,” Santiago said.</p><p>&quot;Ayaw nating magka-aberya. Mahihirapan ang mga kababayan natin sa GenSan kapag tumagal pa ang reopening nito,&quot; he added.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RESTRICTED AREAS REMAIN CLOSED</strong></div><p>Despite the partial reopening, some areas of the port will remain off-limits pending further inspections and repairs.</p><p>The PPA said damaged portions of the New Wharf Expansion will have controlled access, while the Eastern Wharf and Western Wharf will remain closed to operations.</p><p>Meanwhile, the port&#x27;s north gate weigh bridge sustained severe structural damage and remains out of service. Authorities have implemented alternative traffic management measures and access routes to minimize disruptions in cargo movement.</p><p>Shipping companies, truck operators, cargo owners, and other stakeholders have been advised to coordinate closely with the Port Management Office of SOCSARGEN for updated schedules, designated routes, and temporary operational restrictions.</p><p>The PPA said it will continue conducting structural assessments and rehabilitation works across the facility. Full operations will resume once repairs are completed and all port areas have been declared safe for use.</p><p>Marcos earlier announced that the Office of the President has earmarked P278 million in financial assistance for local government offices affected by the earthquake, while P50 million has already been released through the Local Government Support Fund for the repair of certain buildings and hospitals, including facilities in Alabel and Glan.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/6/15/marcos-shifts-mindanao-quake-response-toward-rehabilitation-1736">Marcos shifts Mindanao quake response toward rehabilitation</a></div><p>As of June 15, the Department of Public Works and Highways, 17 bridges and 11 major roads have already been reopened. Engineering inspections continue on hospitals, schools, and other government facilities. </p>

<p>The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has resumed limited operations at Makar Port in General Santos City following structural inspections and engineering assessments conducted in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Mindanao.</p>

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has resumed limited operations at Makar Port in General Santos City following structural inspections and engineering assessments conducted in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Mindanao.

PPA resumes limited operations at GenSan port following deadly quake

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PPA resumes limited operations at GenSan port following deadly quake

Chalssea Kate Echegoyen,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 17, 2026 07:46 PM PHT

Read More:

General Santos City

GenSan

Mindanao

Earthquake

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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