Diwat Nat’l Highschool, Mis. Occ. relocates to safer ground

Monday 18th of June 2012

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, June 18 (PIA) -- Diwat National High School in Barangay Buenavista has transferred to its new location in Barangay Tusik, this town.

School officials of said school thanked the provincial and local governments for their efforts in relocating them into safer grounds.

The said transfer has been recommended by the Geohazards Mapping and Assessment Team of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the officials of the Department of Education in the province.

This was because its former location in Barangay Buenavista was found to be very vulnerable to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, and strong rains and winds.

Past occurrences show that even with the slightest earth movements, landslides easily occur in the area, sending big stones, rolling down to the classrooms putting the lives of the teachers and students in great danger.

Having learned of the situation, Governor Herminia Ramiro has released the amount of P200,000, as initial assistance, in time for the school to relocate to its new school site during the opening of school year 2012-2013.

Thus, the opening, cutting of ribbon, and blessing of the new schoolbuilding and school site took place on June 4, the first day of classes of SY 2012-20123.

Parents of the students expressed their appreciation of the move to transfer the school to its new site, as they found it more safe for their children even when and earthquake occur while they are in school.

“At least, the school administrators/teachers can now heave a sigh of relief,” Ralph Castillo, Diwat NHS principal said.

Just recently, Education Secretary Armin Luistro has issued a directive to all school heads of DepEd to ensure that all the schools in their area of responsibility can withstand strong rains and strong winds.

This is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of losing the lives and properties of the schools brought about by natural disasters, the Education Secretary added. (Pat Nano/PIO/RCA/PIA-Mis. Occ.)