The opening day of School Year (SY) 2023-2024 on Tuesday, Aug. 29, was marred by suspension of classes in areas that were affected by typhoon Goring (international name: Saola).
During an interview over Teleradyo Serbisyo, DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa said that the opening of classes was delayed in some areas due to “Goring.”
“May areas na flooded [like] Region IV-A, B and in Cagayan. There are schools that suspended classes kahit na first day dahil sa pagbabaha (Some areas are flooded, including Regions IV-A, B, and Cagayan. There are schools that suspended classes on the first day due to flooding),” Poa said.
DepEd, he added, is monitoring schools in these affected areas to extend assistance and support.
“Tinitingnan natin kung kailangan natin magbaba ng pondo para sa clean-up. (We are assessing whether we need to allocate funds for the clean-up),” Poa said. “Gusto natin gawin sa lalong madaling panahon (We want to do it as soon as possible),” he added.
Regarding Typhoon Goring, Poa mentioned that DepEd is closely monitoring the affected schools that require clean-up.
Reports of floods have emerged, prompting DepEd’s disaster team to provide immediate funds for clean-up
“Kapag meron pong pagbabaha na inire-report sa atin, yung ating disaster team ay nagbababa ng pondo kaagad para makapagsimula ng clean-up (When there is a reported flood, our disaster team promptly allocates funds to initiate the clean-up),” Poa explained.
Usually, DepEd allocates P20,000 for the clean-up of schools.
Schools used as Evacuation Centers
Poa noted that in areas affected by previous typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon,” there were no schools used as Evacuation Centers (ECs).
However, Poa noted that in areas affected by Mayon's unrest, schools are currently being used as temporary shelters.
Poa explained that DepEd, with the help of the local government units (LGUs), is determining what can be done. “Medyo natagalan doon dahil sa Alert Level and Permanent Danger Zone (It took some time there due to the Alert Level and Permanent Danger Zone),” he added.
Based on the latest bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 was hoisted over the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands as “Goring” slightly intensified. Other areas are also wind signals.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/29/typhoon-goring-slightly-intensifies-signal-no-4-up
As per DepEd Order No. 37 series of 2022, classes and work in schools are "canceled or suspended" during a typhoon, heavy rainfall, flood, earthquake, and power outages/power interruptions/brownouts.
READ:
During a typhoon, DepEd said that in-person, online classes, and work from Kindergarten to Grades 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) in all levels are “automatically canceled” in schools situated in Local Government Units (LGUs) issued with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 by PAGASA.
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https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/28/back-to-school-2023-blank-walls-and-persistent-issues