The construction of Temporary Learning Spaces (TLSs) in schools affected by the Abra quake is expected to start soon after the Department of Education (DepEd) downloaded the needed funds.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 10, DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa said that “funds have been downloaded already” to the concerned Regional Offices as of this week.
He added that guidelines on what the temporary learning space would look like will also be issued by DepEd. To ensure the safety of learners and teachers, Poa said that each TLS would have a roof and walls. These will also be well-ventilated as per DepEd.
“The maximum amount to be spent for each TLS as per the guidelines would be P180,000,” Poa said.
To save on labor costs, DepEd’s directive to schools is to coordinate with other agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units (LGUs), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and others when putting up the TLS.
If these temporary learning spaces will not be constructed before schools open, Poa said that schools were also instructed to coordinate with LGUs if there are areas that can be used by students such as covered courts, among others.
As of Aug. 5, data from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRMMS) showed that 674 schools were affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit six regions in Luzon.
DepEd said that 456 schools were damaged where 1,476 classrooms were partially damaged while 624 classrooms were totally damaged.
Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has the most affected schools with 394 followed by the Ilocos Region with 164, and Cagayan Valley with 75 schools.
Based on initial estimates, DepEd said that P2.298 billion would be needed to repair and reconstruct the damaged schools.
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https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/04/deped-eyes-alternative-learning-modes-for-students-affected-by-the-abra-quake/