As it prepares for the opening of the new school year next week, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded local government units (LGUs) on Thursday, July 25, to ensure that the use of schools as evacuation facilities is "as brief as possible" to prevent disruption to learning.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara issued DepEd Memorandum No. 004, s. 2024, reiterating the preparedness and response measures for the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Super Typhoon Carina.
The memorandum was issued to concerned regional directors, schools division superintendents, and division Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) coordinators in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VIII, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the National Capital Region (NCR), which were greatly affected by flooding due to the monsoon rains enhanced by "Carina."
As of July 24, DepEd 21 schools in the NCR and CALABARZON are being used as evacuation centers.
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Use of schools for evacuation
When using schools as evacuation facilities, Angara emphasized in the memorandum that gymnasiums, learning and activity centers, auditoriums, and other open spaces "shall be utilized first."
"Classrooms shall only be used as a last resort," the memo states. "The use of school premises shall be as brief as possible (not more than 15 days)."
Moreover, DepEd reminded school heads that if an LGU requests the use of schools as evacuation centers, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) should be established between the LGU and the school. This MOA should outline the roles and responsibilities of the LGU, the school, and community members/occupants.
"LGUs should facilitate general cleaning, fumigation, payment of utilities, and repair of schools used as evacuation centers," DepEd said.
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https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/23/schools-should-not-be-used-as-evacuation-centers-dep-ed
Suspension of classes and other concerns
To ensure the safety and resilience of learners and personnel in light of the combined effects of the "Carina"-enhanced "habagat," DepEd reminded all concerned field offices to implement preparedness and response measures as indicated in DepEd Order (DO) No. 033, s. 2021, titled School-Based Disaster Preparedness and Response Measures for Tropical Cyclones, Flooding, and Other Weather-Related Disturbances and Calamities, and DO 21, s. 2015, titled Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coordination and Information Management Protocol.
Field offices were instructed to activate warning systems to disseminate advisories and coordinate with the LGU on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work. They were also asked to secure weak parts of school buildings, prune/trim trees, clean and clear all drainage systems, switch off electrical lines, and safeguard and transfer important resources to higher floors.
Furthermore, field offices were urged to submit the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADaR) within 72 hours after the hazard.
Recognizing the challenges in reporting damages, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) urged affected schools to submit an offline editable RADaR.
"The timely and accurate submission of RADaRs will be the basis for DRRMS to assess the impact of disasters on schools and to provide immediate and appropriate assistance," DepEd said.
Assistance offered
Acknowledging the possible impact and devastation caused by the recent typhoon on DepEd personnel and their families, the Office of the Secretary highlighted the availability of the DepEd Provident Fund during calamities, including typhoons.
"Provident Fund chapters are directed to actively assist and facilitate the loan application process for affected personnel, ensuring accessibility and support throughout the procedure," DepEd said.
To provide adequate and comprehensive insurance protection for socio-economically important government assets against perils such as typhoons, floods, storm surges, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, DepEd noted that the Bureau of Treasury has implemented the National Indemnity Insurance Program (NIIP).
DepEd added that for 2024, the NIIP, insured under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), has piloted DepEd’s school buildings with an approximate value of PHP 800 billion, encompassing 132,862 school buildings nationwide.
"In this regard, regional and schools division officials are directed to promptly submit required documents and proof to support claims for school buildings insured under the NIIP," DepEd said.
The list of school buildings insured under the NIIP can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/ycv7t25n
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