By Merlina Hernando-Malipot 

Even as Mayon Volcano remains restive, the Department of Education (DepEd) affirmed that classes will continue with close coordination from concerned offices to ensure that learners, teachers, and personnel are safe and well-informed.

Despite the challenges posed by Mayon’s high-level of unrest, DepEd – through its Regional Office led by Director Ramon Fiel Abcede – has implemented interventions and has been closely monitoring the situation since January 13.

A Filipino boy takes shelter at a school turned into a temporary evacuation center at the vicinity of rumbling Mayon Volcano in the town of Daraga, Albay province, Philippines, January 18, 2018.
(EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG / MANILA BULLETIN)

 DepEd data showed that as of January 17, its Region 5 office has reported that, from the 33 schools used as evacuation centers, 445 of the classrooms were occupied by 8,583 families or 33,064 individuals.

 The number of schools located within the seven-kilometer permanent danger zone have reached 17. DepEd said that to minimize class interruptions, a number of schools implemented double-shift classes.

To enable the 16,791 affected learners to continue with their schooling, DepEd said that it is already fast-tracking the release of funds to the affected Divisions of Albay, Legazpi City, Ligao City, and Tabaco City for the speedy construction of 208 temporary learning spaces (TLS).

DepEd is currently working with local government units (LGUs) to provide alternative evacuation centers for affected residents.

Permanent evacuation centers

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Leonor Briones pointed out the need for facilities that can be used as permanent evacuation centers when disasters strike.

 “We look forward to the time when LGUs will build permanent evacuation centers so schools need not be mobilized for this purpose and classes will not be disrupted,” Briones said.

 To facilitate the continuity of classes following a calamity, DepEd is also planning the stockpiling of learning resources near areas that are prone to natural disasters.  These include monobloc chairs with armrest; raincoats, boots, and umbrellas (assorted sizes); face masks; plastic envelopes; plastic storage bins; hygiene kits; rechargeable flashlights; door mats (recycled tires); and whiteboards and markers.

 DepEd has also adopted the Guidelines on Evacuation Center Coordination and Management, which ensures that the learning process continues for children in evacuation centers through the provision of child-friendly spaces (CFS) and educational support activities, among others since 2015.

 So far, the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) does not see any indication from Mayon’s current activities that could spell a major eruption. Alert Level No. 3 remains hoisted in the area.