DepEd assures salaries for teachers in Taal-affected areas

The Department of Education (DepEd) has assured that its teaching and non-teaching personnel in areas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption will continue to receive their salaries.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones emphasized that the teachers are not at fault for the disaster and should not suffer salary deductions despite class suspensions.

Briones also acknowledged the dedication of teachers who stayed to care for their students during the crisis.

She personally visited affected learners and directed the provision of Psychosocial First Aid to help them cope with trauma.

As of January 22, DepEd reported that 19,268 of its personnel were affected by the crisis.

DepEd data indicates that 312 schools in seven divisions under Region IV-A are being used as evacuation centers, housing thousands of families, including learners.

A total of 642,740 learners in 1,120 schools across Region IV-A have been impacted by the eruption.

While classes have resumed in some areas, they remain suspended in five divisions, affecting 628,242 learners in 1,107 schools.

DepEd is advocating for the construction of multi-purpose halls to serve as alternative evacuation sites and prevent class interruptions during disasters.