DepEd mobilizes P3.7M emergency aid, learning kits for schools hit by Mayon ashfall

The Department of Education (DepEd) has mobilized at least P3.715 million in emergency response funds and prepositioned thousands of learning and safety supplies for schools affected by ashfall from Mayon Volcano.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency is intensifying efforts to protect students, teachers, and school communities in affected areas in Albay while ensuring learning continues despite disruptions caused by the volcano.

“Patuloy nating pinakikilos ang lahat ng kinakailangang suporta para mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga mag-aaral, guro, at paaralan habang nagpapatuloy ang banta ng pag-aalburuto ng Bulkang Mayon,” Angara said.

(We continue to mobilize all necessary support to keep our learners, teachers, and schools safe as the threat from Mayon Volcano’s unrest persists.)

EXPLAINER: What is ashfall and why is it dangerous?

“Kasabay ng agarang pagresponde at paghahatid ng mga learning at emergency supplies, tinitiyak din nating hindi napuputol ang pag-aaral ng ating mga kabataan,” he added.

(Alongside our immediate response and delivery of learning and emergency supplies, we are also ensuring that the education of our learners continues uninterrupted.)

Affected schools

According to DepEd, at least 133 schools have been affected by recent ashfall incidents following renewed volcanic activity beginning May 2.

The agency said it has prepositioned 850 All-Weather Learning Kits or “EduKahon,” along with N95 face masks, hygiene supplies, printers, paper, disinfectants, alcohol, tissues, and other classroom materials for affected schools.

Virtual learning and teaching kits worth P20,000 per school were also made available through partner organizations, including People in Need.

As of May 5, two schools in the municipality of Camalig — Tagaytay Elementary School and Bariw Elementary School — were being used as evacuation centers sheltering 172 families or 603 individuals, including 53 learners and 10 DepEd personnel.

A total of 24 classrooms are currently being used to accommodate evacuees.

DepEd said it has also activated its Batang Empowered and Resilient Team (BERT) modules and psychosocial first aid interventions to help affected learners cope with stress and disruption caused by the volcanic unrest.

The department, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service, has intensified monitoring and coordination with local disaster officials, local government units, and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or PHIVOLCS.

DepEd said schools in Albay have continued implementing contingency measures such as alternative delivery modes, self-learning materials, and emergency learning kits for displaced learners.

PHIVOLCS earlier warned that Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano indicates intensified magmatic unrest and the possibility of sudden steam-driven or hazardous eruptions. Entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and the Extended Danger Zone remains prohibited. —VAL, GMA News