Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Negros Occidental initiated the start of classes across its 576 schools, accommodating an estimated 325,000 learners, without facing significant issues on Monday. DepEd-Negros Occidental oversees educational institutions in the province's 19 municipalities and the city of Talisay.
According to Philippines News Agency, Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet stated that thorough preparations were undertaken for the commencement of classes, particularly in light of challenges presented by the ongoing activity of Mt. Kanlaon. 'We hope that this year will be productive for all, especially our learners. The learning of our children is the most important goal we must strive for - against all odds,' he remarked.
For students in areas affected by Kanlaon's activity, particularly in La Castellana town, DepEd has activated temporary learning spaces and alternative delivery modes, alongside providing learning kits and psychosocial support. Liobet emphasized that the successful opening of classes is a testament to the collective commitment of stakeholders to ensure the continuity of education even amidst crises.
In anticipation of the new school year, internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the two affected local government units vacated the public schools they had occupied since Mt. Kanlaon's eruption last December. This included 1,989 IDPs, with initial reports indicating 1,574 individuals were from La Carlota City and La Castellana. Additionally, IDPs from Biak Na Bato and Barangay Masulog in La Castellana also left the school-based evacuation centers.
The evacuees who departed from school facilities either returned to their homes or relocated to areas outside the 6-km permanent danger zone. A memorandum issued on June 8 by Assistant Secretary Cesar Idio, deputy administrator for operations of the Office of Civil Defense, mandated the Regional Task Force Kanlaon and relevant agencies to ensure the immediate vacating of school-based evacuation centers. This included preparing classrooms in four schools in La Castellana and two schools in La Carlota City for academic purposes, as well as facilitating the safe relocation of evacuees from these facilities.
