June 8, 2026

To our beloved fellow Dameans, families, and friends,

This morning at 7:37 AM, our home city of General Santos and neighboring provinces were shaken by a powerful and deeply alarming magnitude 7.8 earthquake. With ground shaking reaching a destructive Intensity VII right here in GenSan, we know that many of you are currently dealing with shock, property damage, and acute anxiety over the safety of your loved ones.

First and foremost, our thoughts, prayers, and deepest concerns are with every single member of our community. We are actively monitoring the developing situation, especially given the initial reports of structural damage across the city, including the impact sustained within our own school network at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University campus, as well as major local establishments.

At this critical hour, I urge all alumni, both here at home and across our global chapters, to focus entirely on safety, vigilance, and mutual support:

Prioritize Immediate Safety: Please remain in safe, open zones if you are near structurally compromised buildings. Closely follow all advisories and directives from local disaster risk reduction units and local authorities.

Stay Prepared for Aftershocks: Strong aftershocks continue to pose a threat. Secure your surroundings, keep communication lines clear for emergency responses, and verify the safety of your immediate household.

Activate the Damean Spirit: If you are safe and secure, please reach out and check on fellow alumni, neighbors, and vulnerable members of our community who may need immediate comfort or logistical help.

“In moments of sudden crisis, the true strength of our community is measured not by the stability of the ground beneath us, but by the unwavering strength of the bonds between us.”

The Notre Dame Schools of General Santos City Alumni Association International Inc. is establishing contact with school administrations to see how our association can best support relief and recovery efforts.

Let us stand together in faith, calm resolve, and immediate action. May God protect General Santos City and the entire region. In behalf of the Board of Directors, I remain

In deep solidarity,

Orman Ortega Manansala

President