SCHOOL SITUATION. Education spokesperson Michael Poa says they are gathering reports on the situation of schools affected by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake on Wednesday (July 27, 2022). He said that they have proposed to have an additional Quick Response Fund (QRF) to be allocated to schools whenever a natural calamity hits. (PNA photo by Joseph Razon)
MANILA – Both the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) assured the public Wednesday that they are closely monitoring the situation of schools in affected areas following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Abra.
During the press briefing at the DepEd Central Office, Education spokesperson Michael Poa said they have not yet received any report of casualty from the sector.
“Sa ngayon, wala pa kaming (As of now, we have no) reported injuries sa (among) either DepEd staff, teaching personnel, or learners natin,” he said.
The DepEd is also validating on-the-ground reports from the regional offices.
“We are monitoring the situation on the part of DepEd. Mayroon tayong initial reports na cracks ng schools sa Abra, probably also Vigan,” he said.
He noted that the DepEd has proposed to have an additional PHP4-billion budget for the Quick Response Fund (QRF) to be allocated in the recovery of damaged schools whenever a natural calamity such as this hits.
Likewise, CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera III confirmed in a Viber message they are now in close coordination with the regional heads and higher education institutions (HEIs).
“Presidents of HEIs, in coordination with local government units, have full authority to suspend classes and work as needed. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and will give a report as soon as possible,” he told the Philippine News Agency.
Meanwhile, Office of the Vice President (OVP) spokesperson Reynold Munsayac said they will wait for the result of assessments to initiate relief operations in the affected areas.
“Papasok pa ‘yung data tas makikita natin ‘yung next steps na pwede, para makatulong ’yung office of the Vice President dun sa affected areas (The data will come, so we will see the next possible steps so that the OVP can aid those in affected areas),” he said. (PNA)
