DepEd allows evacuees to stay in classrooms, increases face-to-face classes

Education officials in the Negros Island Region have allowed evacuees affected by Mt. Kanlaon's eruption to spend nights in public school classrooms, with more face-to-face classes now taking place this new school year.

Evacuees from Barangay Cabagna-an and other areas have moved to alternative shelters, increasing classroom availability for regular students who are now attending classes three times a week.

DepEd-Negros Occidental spokesperson Ian Arnold Arnaez stated that while the number of IDPs in classrooms has decreased, some with special needs remain accommodated at La Castellana Elementary School upon request by local officials.

The Office of Civil Defense continues to address issues such as water access and worn-out tents in makeshift shelters, while DepEd-NIR remains committed to ensuring continuous learning despite ongoing challenges.

Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet granted the mayor's request for better overnight accommodations for IDPs, provided that face-to-face learning is not disrupted.

DepEd-Negros Occidental has implemented a learning continuity plan to ensure education continues even outside traditional classroom settings in case of further evacuations or emergencies.