DepEd to build 300 makeshift classrooms for Mayon-affected pupils

The Department of Education will build at least 300 makeshift classrooms worth P18 million for pupils affected by preparations for a possible eruption by restive Mayon Volcano.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda disclosed this Saturday on his social media accounts, adding he expects classes to normalize even inside the camps by next week.

"DepEd to build 300 makeshift classrooms at P18 million for Albay's affected learners. All 29 remaining of the 83 schools should be back to normal inside the camp next week," he said.

Also, he said the DepEd had given Albay 15,000 chairs worth P3.3 million.

More than 11,000 families had been evacuated from their homes in the danger zone around Mayon. The danger zone can extend up to eight kilometers.

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

Tarps arrival

Meanwhile, Salceda said 400 tarpaulins from the UNICEF arrived Saturday morning.

He said these "should help provide roofing and dividers for other structures inside the 45 camps."

Also, he said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had rolled out thick pieces of plastic measuring 4 x 50m, for roofing or walls.

Mayon update

As of Saturday, Mayon showed increased activity anew, with its seismic network recording 11 volcanic earthquakes and four rockfall events in the last 24 hours.

Moderate emission of white steam plumes drifting southwest was observed. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News