The department has already mobilized emergency classrooms, learning packets, and clean-up operations for affected areas.
A day after the destructive Magnitude 7.8 quake that struck waters off Sarangani Province in southern Mindanao, the Department of Education has ordered a massive mobilization to respond to the situation.
According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara during a briefing on Tuesday, June 9, “Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na maging mabilis ang pagtugon ng pamahalaan sa panahon ng kalamidad, gumagamit tayo ng mga konkretong datos upang masigurong mabilis at tamang tulong ang nakakarating sa mga apektadong komunidad.”
According to their count, more than 267 public schools were “severely affected” by the quake and in response, funds and equipment have been quickly released.
As per their initial assessment, 1,391 classrooms suffered varying degrees of structural damage in those public schools under 15 schools divisions in 14 provinces in five regions, with Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato recording the most affected schools.
Meanwhile, 896 classrooms sustained minor damage, 296 sustained major damage, and 199 classrooms were completely destroyed.
As part of the immediate interventions, Angara ordered an initial allocation of PHP235.1 million for the shipment of 130 fully equipped Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) to the affected region. These rooms are equipped with emergency power and Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity.
Although, the DepEd chief emphasized that the immediate safety and well-being of the students, teachers, and other personnel remains the agency’s top priority.
“Ang prayoridad natin ngayon ay ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga guro at mag-aaral,” he told. “Kailangan muna nating maiayos at mapatag ang sitwasyon sa ground bago natin ligtas na maibalik ang normal na daloy ng edukasyon sa mga silid-aralan.”
In line with that, DepEd has implemented the suspension of classes in 8,208 schools, while about 818 schools have already resumed in-person classes.
For those who are still unable to return to a normal classroom setup, the DepEd has secured PHP258.98 million in funds to ensure the printing and prompt delivery of prepositioned learning packets to affected students.
Angara had also directed the download of PHP7.7 million for clean-up and clearing operations in 267 affected schools, and PHP43.9 million for minor repairs to classrooms.
Following the validation of affected schools, DepEd will use its stand-by PHP3 billion Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the reconstruction and replacement of damaged school buildings.
DepEd has also implemented Level 4 (Hinto or Stop), based on its recently published emergency guidelines, in high-risk areas.
Currently, they are preparing for the transition to Level 3 (Hinga or Check-in) using unstructured learning materials.
DepEd has also deployed registered guidance counselors to provide critical Psychological First Aid (PFA) and mental health screening to students and staff who have experienced trauma.
As for the return to face-to-face classes, it shall be strictly determined by each school and will only be allowed to resume once the facilities have been officially inspected and approved by DepEd engineers, local coordinators, and structural experts.
