The long-standing practice of using school buildings as evacuation centers has to stop, the Department of Education (DepEd) has stressed.
DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa emphasized this directive during a recent meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), highlighting the adverse impact on students when classrooms are occupied by evacuees for extended periods.
"We hope our schools will no longer be used as evacuation centers," the DepEd official asserted, citing disruptions to classroom instruction and the resultant learning setbacks.
While DepEd permits the temporary use of schools as emergency evacuation centers for up to 15 days, Poa acknowledged instances where evacuees exceed this timeframe, often at the behest of regional and division offices.
In the event of such disruptions, administrators and teachers have been instructed to resort to alternative delivery methods to ensure continuity of learning and the comprehensive coverage of learning competencies in public schools.
Despite buildings designated for educational purposes outnumbering structures dedicated to evacuees during natural disasters as of 2019, DepEd is taking proactive measures to reinforce schools against future calamities.
Over 1,200 schools nationwide are slated for repair and reinforcement under the DepEd's P30.56-billion resilient schools project, approved by the National Economic and Development Authority.
The Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools (ISRS) project, scheduled for implementation over the next five years in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways, aims to fortify 4,756 school buildings affected by disasters from 2019 to 2023.
Furthermore, DepEd has secured insurance coverage for over 132,000 public school buildings nationwide to mitigate damage and losses caused by natural catastrophes.
A comprehensive insurance package, totaling P843.11 billion, covers fire, lightning, and natural disasters starting January 1, 2024, under the National Indemnity Insurance Program.
While DepEd has taken proactive steps to address the immediate challenges posed by natural calamities, education sector stakeholders, including the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), stressed the importance of long-term solutions to the climate crisis.
ACT Chairman Vladimer Quetua called for measures such as hiring more teachers, constructing additional classrooms, and ensuring proper ventilation in all learning spaces to improve the learning environment.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. recently approved adjustments to the school calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year to mitigate the adverse effects of intense heat during the hottest months, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing climate-related challenges in education.
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