Bicol: The Department of Education in Bicol (DepEd-5) will allocate over PHP143 million for school divisions in the six provinces affected by Super Typhoon Uwan, also known internationally as Fung-wong. DepEd Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad announced that the funds from the DepEd Central Office would be utilized for minor repairs and cleanup efforts in the affected areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, the funds will be distributed among the school divisions as follows: Albay will receive PHP32.39 million, Camarines Norte PHP7.38 million, Camarines Sur PHP29.17 million, Catanduanes PHP20.24 million, Masbate PHP19.81 million, and Sorsogon PHP14.18 million. Additional allocations include Iriga City with PHP1.97 million, Legazpi City PHP400,000, Ligao City PHP4.13 million, Masbate City PHP2.50 million, Naga City PHP2.31 million, Sorsogon City PHP6.86 million, and Tabaco City PHP2.19 million.
Sadsad emphasized that while the education sector in Bicol is making progress, there remains significant work to be done. He noted that some students have not yet resumed face-to-face classes due to various circumstances. "We are back on track, but it's not an exclamation point. Because there are still some who have not yet met face-to-face because of some circumstances," Sadsad remarked during the agency's fourth quarterly regional press conference.
Furthermore, Sadsad encouraged schools to implement their own initiatives and allow students sufficient time to catch up with their lessons. "So our request to the school heads is, if possible, please give your extra time to the children," he stated.
The agency also addressed circulating misinformation regarding the Senior High School program. Leilani Lorico, an education program supervisor, clarified that the program will not be removed but rather strengthened to better prepare graduates. "It is meant to empower our graduates; they should be prepared," Lorico explained during the same press conference. The enhanced senior high school curriculum is currently in the pilot phase and is anticipated to offer flexible learning opportunities.
