In a significant move to aid recovery efforts, the Department of Education in Bicol (DepEd-5) has disbursed nearly PHP200 million to support 13 schools division offices impacted by various disasters. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the regional office in Legazpi City on December 10, 2024.
Architect Deo Moreno, the focal person for DepEd Bicol’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management, explained that the funds were promptly released to the affected schools. These funds, drawn from DepEd-Bicol’s standby fund, were allocated through Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO) to address the aftermath of storms ‘Enteng’, ‘Kristine’, and ‘Pepito’.
The breakdown of the allocations includes PHP82.7 million for eight schools division offices to establish temporary learning spaces and conduct clean-up and clearing operations following Tropical Storm Enteng. Additionally, PHP1.1 million was allocated for subsidence issues in Sorsogon, and PHP2.9 million was designated for clean-up efforts in Catanduanes after Tropical Storm Carina. Further funds were allocated for fire incidents in Catanduanes and Masbate, totaling PHP739,000.
In response to a magnitude 6.1 earthquake in October, PHP185,000 was allocated for clean-up and clearing in Catanduanes, and PHP40,000 for landslide cleanup in Camarines Norte. Severe Tropical Storm Kristine prompted an allocation of PHP104.3 million to 12 schools division offices.
Moreno also mentioned that an additional PHP11 million was secured from the central office for areas in Catanduanes affected by Super Typhoon Pepito. DepEd-5’s efforts also include providing basic response interventions such as temporary learning spaces, minor repairs, and kits for learners and teachers, along with replacing damaged non-infrastructure items.