DepEd: 28 of 76 schools affected by Mayon resume classes

At least 28 of 76 schools affected by the threat of an eruption by restive Mayon Volcano in Albay province have resumed classes as of Tuesday, the Department of Education said.

 

In a statement issued Wednesday, the DepEd also said it is adopting measures to protect the equipment and records of schools inside Mayon's permanent and extended danger zones.

 

"Of the 724 schools in the province, 76 have been identified as affected. These affected schools are those within the (six-kilometer permanent danger zone) and (eight-kilometer extended danger zone). Of these, 28 have already resumed classes as of September 23," it said.

 

Also, it said 676 out of 724 schools have regular classes in the province despite Alert Level 3.

 

The DepEd also said it is preparing evacuation centers ahead of actual evacuation.

 

Earlier this month, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level at Mayon to "3," indicating a possible eruption in weeks. 

 

Interventions

 

The Education Department likewise said it has implemented interventions to foster a sense of normalcy among learners.

 

It said it has worked with the local government of Albay and UNICEF in deploying 155 tents for the 38 schools used as evacuation centers in five towns and two cities.

 

"These evacuation centers are closely monitored and co-managed by DepEd school personnel," it said.

 

Also, the DepEd said the 38 schools used as evacuation centers are accommodating the student enrolment of displaced schools.

 

It cited the case of San Jose Elementary School in Malilipot, Albay, which has taken in students from Calbayog Elementary School.

 

As of Tuesday, September 23, some 1,200 students are expected to report, while 18 tents are being set up to provide for their needs.

 

"School personnel are likewise tasked to do daily tracking of all students by grade level," the DepEd said.

 

It added it is working with the Albay provincial government to ensure class resumption in affected schools in Albay, Legaspi, Tabaco, and Ligao. — Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News