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GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — “Lord, have mercy! Kusog kaayo, kusog kaayo! (Very, very strong!)”
The desperate plea echoed across the grounds of Landan National High School in Polomolok, South Cotabato, as students and teachers quickly moved to open areas when a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck west southwest of the coastal town of Maasim in Sarangani province at 7:37 a.m. on Monday and also affected its neighboring provinces.
What was supposed to be the opening day of classes for School Year 2026–2027 instead became a test of preparedness as schools carried out emergency evacuations amid strong shaking.
READ: Magnitude 7.8 earthquake leaves 35 dead, 200 injured in Mindanao
