Sarangani: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced the allocation of an additional PHP10-million fund to support the 'EduKahon' program in earthquake-affected areas in Mindanao. This initiative is a part of the agency's efforts to aid recovery after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck on June 8, causing significant damage to schools in Sarangani and General Santos City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DepEd's initiative aims to ensure learning continuity for displaced students. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the importance of maintaining educational activities amid disasters, emphasizing the need to restore hope among learners. The allocated funds are evenly distributed, with approximately PHP5 million designated for each schools division in Sarangani and General Santos City.
In addition to financial support, the DepEd is distributing 100 EduKahon learning kits to evacuation centers. These kits are designed to create child-friendly learning environments, allowing students to continue their education safely. Each EduKahon is equipped with learning and teaching materials, such as whiteboards, pens, paper, first aid kits, laptops, and communication devices. Of the 100 kits, 80 are allocated to Sarangani and 20 to General Santos City.
This initiative is part of a broader response by the DepEd to support earthquake-affected communities. Previous efforts included deploying emergency response teams, releasing response funds, providing learning continuity resources, and initiating rehabilitation projects to restore safe learning environments.
To alleviate financial burdens on affected educators, the DepEd has implemented a six-month moratorium on provident fund loan payments for staff in the Soccsksargen Region. Additionally, DepEd has allocated PHP155 million to bolster the provident fund loan resources. Eligible personnel can access loans up to PHP100,000, with provisions of up to PHP200,000 available for hospitalization and emergency needs, subject to guidelines.
Furthermore, a nationwide three-month moratorium on provident fund loan payments is in effect from July 1 to September 3, aligning with the State of National Energy Emergency declared due to the Middle East crisis.
