REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DepED Bicol to Conduct Safety Inspection in Schools affected by 6.0 Quake
Photo credit: DepEd Region V - Bicol
The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to conduct a thorough inspection and validation in schools affected by the magnitude 6 earthquake that hit Masbate last February 16. The assessment aims to ensure the safety and security of learners in schools affected by the calamity before the resumption of in-person classes.
DepEd Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad announced that a team composed of engineers from the DepEd V, Department of Public Works, and Highways (DPWH) V, and Municipal Engineers in Masbate will be deployed to monitor the situation in schools with reported damages. The inspection is vital to confirm the structural integrity of schools and certify them as safe for use by students and teachers.
According to the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADAR) from the DepEd Bicol’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team as of February 17, 2023, there are 195 schools in the Schools Division Office of Masbate Province and Masbate City that reported damages in school infrastructure. Among these, 57 classrooms have been completely damaged, 194 classrooms have major damages that can be repaired with internal and external support, and 692 classrooms have minor damages that can be repaired using school MOOE.
Meanwhile, 72 pieces of furniture and other equipment, as well as 21 computer sets and learning materials, were also reported to have been damaged by the earthquake.
In-person classes in schools that have no reported damages have already resumed upon the order of the Local Government Unit of Masbate. However, necessary adjustments in learning delivery will be implemented to compensate for the shortage of classrooms in some affected schools, such as shifting to modular distance learning. School Heads have been directed by the SDO concerned to ensure that all self-learning modules for all grade levels are readily available for distribution to the learners.
DepEd Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad announced that a team composed of engineers from the DepEd V, Department of Public Works, and Highways (DPWH) V, and Municipal Engineers in Masbate will be deployed to monitor the situation in schools with reported damages. The inspection is vital to confirm the structural integrity of schools and certify them as safe for use by students and teachers.
According to the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADAR) from the DepEd Bicol’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team as of February 17, 2023, there are 195 schools in the Schools Division Office of Masbate Province and Masbate City that reported damages in school infrastructure. Among these, 57 classrooms have been completely damaged, 194 classrooms have major damages that can be repaired with internal and external support, and 692 classrooms have minor damages that can be repaired using school MOOE.
Meanwhile, 72 pieces of furniture and other equipment, as well as 21 computer sets and learning materials, were also reported to have been damaged by the earthquake.
In-person classes in schools that have no reported damages have already resumed upon the order of the Local Government Unit of Masbate. However, necessary adjustments in learning delivery will be implemented to compensate for the shortage of classrooms in some affected schools, such as shifting to modular distance learning. School Heads have been directed by the SDO concerned to ensure that all self-learning modules for all grade levels are readily available for distribution to the learners.
Feb 22, 2023
