Photo courtesy of Iraya Elementeray School.
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol has commenced cleanup and rehabilitation efforts in schools affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami).
To restore the normalcy of classes in the region, schools have started clearing areas severely affected by storms, particularly in Camarines Sur, Albay, and Camarines Norte.
DepEd Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Coordinator Deo Moreno reported that DepEd Bicol has allocated funds from its P105-million Disaster Preparedness and Response Program (DPRP) standby funds to support the said cleanup, clearing, and minor repair of schools in heavily affected areas. The said funds will also be used to construct Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) and temporary WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities.
The report from DepEd Bicol DRRM as of October 28, 2024 has identified 520 schools affected by flooding and landslides in the region, with damage assessments indicating 816 classrooms as totally damaged, 1,250 with major damage, and 3,102 with minor damage. Further, 807 schools have already requested TLS. Currently, 401 schools are being used as evacuation centers, serving as temporary shelters for approximately 4,176 families or 14,255 individuals.
The Regional DRRM office has submitted a Rapid Disaster Assessment Report (RADAR) to DepEd’s central office with a request for additional funding to be used for the purchase of learners’ kits and teachers’ kits to support affected communities.
“The Regional DRRM Team is continuously monitoring the effects of #KristinePH on schools and offices, including the use of schools as evacuation. We also advised all SDOs to submit immediately letters of request for disaster response funds and the vetted Rapid Damage Assessment Report (RADAR) with the list of the affected,” said Regional DRRM Coordinator Moreno.
Meanwhile, DepEd Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad has ordered the suspension of in-person classes in schools still affected by flooding, while officials from the Schools Division Offices (SDOs) were instructed to allow teachers, school heads, and other personnel situated in flooded areas to adopt an alternative working arrangement or to work from home when possible.
“Considering that there are still schools and areas flooded, in-person classes for these schools and communities are still suspended. Teachers, school heads, and personnel whose houses are still submerged or underwater may adopt an alternative work scheme or work-from-home scheme and may not be forced to report for work except if their presence is necessary for the processing and release of salaries and benefits of employees,” said Director Sadsad.
Classes in schools without or with only minimal damage due to Typhoon Kristine have already resumed on October 28, 2024, per order from their respective local government units. (DepEd)
