The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded local government units (LGUs) that public schools in their respective areas may only be used as “immediate” evacuation and not as long-term shelters for affected families or individuals.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, in DepEd Order No. 37 series of 2022, included in the guidelines on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in schools in the event of natural disasters, power outages/interruptions, and other calamities the use of schools by LGUs.
“In cases of other disasters, schools may be used as an immediate evacuation site which should not last for more than fifteen (15) days,” Duterte said in the DepEd order.
LGUs, she added, should “not use schools as long-term shelters for evacuees.”
Meanwhile, DepEd has announced that schools can no longer be used as Covid-19 quarantine and/ or isolation facilities or vaccination centers.
DepEd said that the authority given to Regional Directors in allowing schools to be designated as quarantine and/or isolation facilities/ vaccination centers under Office Memorandum OM-Osec-2020-004(Guidance to Regional Directors for Action Requests by Local Government Units to Use DepEd Schools and Engage DepEd Personnel in Activities Related to COVID-19), has been “lifted.”
Moreover, the Office Memorandum OM-OSEC- 2021-03-003 or the Use of DepEd Classrooms and Other Facilities as Vaccination Centers was also “repealed.”
Duterte issued the DO No. 37 s. of 2022 to promote the safety and protection of learners and personnel from “unnecessary physical dangers” that they may be exposed to during natural disasters and calamities.
The policy was also issued to minimize the health and safety risks brought about by disasters and other natural calamities. DepEd, Duterte said, recognizes that the suspension of classes and work during emergencies “remain to be necessary in upholding the physical and mental well-being of learners and school personnel.”
The newly-issued guidelines were also issued to further guide schools, their personnel, and learners --- both within the public and private institutions.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/25/deped-new-guidelines-on-suspension-of-classes-work-in-schools-now-effective/