Albay: The Department of Education (DepEd) has intensified preparedness and safety measures to ensure the protection of learners and school personnel amid heightened magmatic unrest, as Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3.
According to Philippines News Agency, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the protection of learners, teachers, and school personnel remains the agency's top priority, even as government response efforts continue in affected areas. At least 850 all-weather kits and N95 masks have been prepositioned in the area for immediate distribution to affected schools. Additionally, about PHP20,000 worth of learning, teaching, and hygiene kits have been allotted for each school to bolster local contingency plans.
Angara stated, "Prayoridad natin ang kanilang kaligtasan habang nagbibigay ng suporta para sa kanilang edukasyon sa gitna ng sakuna (Our priority is their safety while providing support for their education amidst the disaster)." He added that DepEd is committed to ensuring learning continuity and mitigating disruptions despite the ongoing situation.
In the town of Camalig, several schools continue to serve as evacuation centers. As of Sunday, Tagaytay Elementary School, Bariw Elementary School, and Cabangan Elementary School are housing families displaced by the volcanic unrest. A total of 34 classrooms have been converted into temporary shelters, accommodating 488 families or about 1,315 individuals, including 101 learners and nine school personnel.
DepEd assured that it is closely coordinating with disaster risk reduction and management authorities to reinforce emergency protocols and ensure the safety of learners and staff. Field offices have been instructed to secure learning materials, records, and equipment while maintaining readiness with emergency supplies.
Strict restrictions are enforced within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and Extended Danger Zone around Mayon Volcano due to the risk of sudden explosive activity. Residents are advised to remain vigilant for possible steam-driven explosions, ash emissions, and other volcanic hazards as Mayon Volcano unrest persists.
