• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 362 public schools in Negros Occidental have shifted to the Alternative Delivery Mode of learning as a health measure, following the eruption of Kanlaon volcano on December 9.
Records of the Department of Education Western VIsayas showed that the total number of learners affected by the eruption of volcano in Negros Occidental is at 540,312.
“The safety and well-being of our learners are now our topmost priority,” said DepEd VI information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. in an interview.
“This will ensure that despite the calamity, we will provide necessary assistance to our learners and personnel during this time,”Escullar added.
DepEd data showed 289 schools from Antique, 53 from Guimaras, and 98 from Iloilo also adopted the ADM.
Escullar said the affected school’s division offices (SDOs) are also in constant coordination with local government units, while the DepEd regional office updates their central office on the situation.
“The SDOs coordinate with their respective health authorities to ensure compliance with the latest health guidelines. SDOs will provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) to affected learners and personnel to address any mental health issues,” he added.
Kanlaon Volcano is currently at Alert Level 3.* with PNA reports
