DepEd to speed up education recovery in quake areas

The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with local government units (LGUs) to hasten the recovery of education in areas that have recently been affected by earthquakes.

- By EVELYN MACAIRAN

DepEd said that the recent earthquakes affected around 5,000 schools across several regions, mostly in Central Visayas, Davao Region and the Negros Island Region.

In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said that their joint effort with the LGUs focuses on restoring safe learning spaces and ensuring that teachers and learners receive timely psychosocial support and school rehabilitation assistance.

It would continue to implement awareness campaigns and simulation drills to guide teachers and learners on what they should do in case of emergencies, while improving contingency plans and capacity-building efforts in schools.

Secretary Angara also gave instructions to DepEd regional offices to work closely with LGUs to accelerate the repair and rehabilitation of damaged facilities.