The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday said it has allocated an additional PHP10-million fund to support the implementation of the “EduKahon” program in earthquake-hit areas in Mindanao.
It is still part of the agency’s recovery efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8, which caused damage in schools in Sarangani and General Santos City, according to a news release.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said this initiative helps learning continuity among displaced learners.
“Every disaster disrupts not only homes but also learning. Kailangang mabalik din natin ang pag-asa ng ating mga mag-aaral (We need to bring back the hopes of each learner),” he said.
About PHP5 million is allocated for each schools division in Sarangani and General Santos City.
Besides these, the DepEd is also dispatching 100 EduKahon learning kits to evacuation centers to establish child-friendly learning spaces where displaced learners can safely continue educational activities while communities recover.
EduKahon contains learning and teaching tools and materials, including whiteboards, pens, paper, first aid kits, laptops and other communication devices.
“Sa pamamagitan ng EduKahon, ipinapakita natin kahit nasa evacuation center, tuloy ang pagkatuto at tuloy ang pangarap (Through the EduKahon, we are showing that even in an evacuation center, learning and dreams continue),” Angara said.
Of the 100 EduKahon learning kits, 80 units were delivered to Sarangani and 20 units to General Santos City.
Other interventions
This intervention complements the agency’s ongoing response and early recovery efforts in earthquake-affected communities.
Earlier, the DepEd deployed emergency response teams, released response funds, deployed learning continuity resources, and initiated rehabilitation efforts to help restore safe and conducive learning environments.
To ease financial pressures on teachers and non-teaching personnel, the DepEd also approved a six-month moratorium on provident fund loan payments for affected staff in the Soccsksargen Region.
In addition, DepEd allocated an additional PHP155 million to support the provident fund loan resources.
Under the DepEd Provident Fund Multi-Purpose Loan Program, eligible personnel may avail themselves of loans of up to PHP100,000.
Moreover, up to PHP200,000 may be available for hospitalization and other emergency needs, subject to the usual net take-home pay verification and existing guidelines.
A nationwide three-month moratorium on provident fund loan payments is also in effect July 1 to Sept. 3, in connection with the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency due to the Middle East crisis. (PNA)