DepEd ramps up safety measures as Mayon stays at Alert Level 3
By Dhel Nazario
At A Glance
- The Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up safety and contingency measures in Albay as Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, signaling intensified magmatic unrest.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up safety and contingency measures in Albay as Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, signaling intensified magmatic unrest.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara has prioritized the safety of school communities by prepositioning N95 masks, all-weather kits, and essential teaching, learning, and hygiene supplies to support affected schools in Albay amid Mayon Volcano’s unrest. The Department of Education (DepEd) is bolstering local contingency plans and securing learning resources as schools begin to serve as temporary shelters for displaced families. (DepEd photo)
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency is prioritizing the safety of school communities while ensuring learning continues despite the situation.
To support affected schools, DepEd has prepositioned at least 850 all-weather kits and N95 masks for immediate distribution. It has also mobilized ₱20,000 worth of learning, teaching, and hygiene kits per school to strengthen local contingency plans.
“Prayoridad natin ang kanilang kaligtasan habang nagbibigay ng suporta para sa kanilang edukasyon sa gitna ng sakuna,” Angara said.
“Sisikapin natin na hindi maantala ang pag-aaral ng ating mga kabataan dito sa Albay sa kabila ng sitwasyon, lalo na’t magsisimula na ang summer remediation programs at darating na ang pasukan,” he added.
As of May 3, three schools in Camalig—Tagaytay Elementary School, Bariw Elementary School, and Cabangan Elementary School—are being used as evacuation centers.
A total of 34 classrooms have been repurposed to shelter 488 families, or about 1,315 individuals, including 101 displaced learners and nine school personnel.
DepEd said it is coordinating closely with local disaster authorities to strengthen emergency preparedness and safety protocols for learners and staff. Field offices and schools have also been directed to secure learning materials, records, and equipment while prepositioning essential emergency resources.
Authorities continue to enforce a strict prohibition on entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and Extended Danger Zone around Mayon due to the risk of sudden explosions.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant against potential steam-driven blasts and possible lava eruptions.