Mindanao quake affects 250 schools
More than 250 schools were severely affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on Monday, with many classrooms destroyed or sustaining structural damage, according to an initial assessment by the Department of Education (DepEd).
The DepEd on Tuesday said it has set up emergency classrooms, distributed learning packets and launched cleanup operations in critical areas, among other measures
“Our priority now is the safety and well-being of our teachers and students. We must first stabilize the situation on the ground before we can safely restore the normal flow of education in classrooms,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.
Angara and other DepEd officials supervised Monday’s inspection and found 267 public schools, most of them in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato, sustaining damage.
Of the 1,391 classrooms affected by the quake, 296 had major damage and 896, minor damage, while 199 classrooms were completely destroyed, the DepEd said.
The department suspended classes in 8,208 schools in southern and central Mindanao. On Tuesday, in-person classes were resumed in 818 schools.
Private efforts
Angara ordered an initial allocation of more than P250 million for the printing and swift delivery of learning materials, P235.1 million for setting up 130 fully equipped Learning Continuity Spaces, P43.9 million for classroom repairs and P7.7 million for cleanup operations.
Private groups have also joined the relief efforts. Save the Children Philippines said its office in General Santos City is assessing the situation on the ground and has prepared emergency supplies, including household and education kits.
“We have received reports of children in distress, with some crying, panicking, or becoming physically overwhelmed by the experience. Their safety goes beyond protection from physical harm,” said Faisah Ali, the group’s humanitarian manager.
World Vision Philippines, another NGO dedicated to children’s welfare, said its operations were disrupted in Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and other provinces, with 8,100 of the 22,000 children on its watch affected by the quake.
Still, the group said it has deployed several emergency response teams which are now coordinating with officials in Sarangani and other local government units.
The urgent needs of children and their families are food, potable water, sleeping kits and other essential supplies, and psychosocial support, the group said.
“We are prioritizing the safety and protection of children as we continue to monitor the situation and prepare for immediate response,” said Elizabeth Delgado, World Vision Philippines’ operations manager in Mindanao.
