The Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division has instructed schools to create contingency plans based on their current situation to ensure the continuation of classes in affected areas following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that severely struck northern Cebu.
DepEd Mandaue spokeswoman Marinel Oro told reporters yesterday that these contingency plans may include options allowed under DepEd orders, such as adopting the Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) or implementing class shifting schedules.
Oro said that when the earthquake hit last September 30, school principals were immediately advised to prepare contingency measures, as DepEd anticipated that some areas and school buildings could be structurally affected.
‘We instructed them to come up with their own contingency measures for students whose classrooms cannot yet be used,’ Oro said.
She added that the contingency plans will be prepared at the discretion of each school principal, depending on their respective situations.
‘It will depend on the principals how they address the situation –whether through shifting or ADM,’ she said.
Oro clarified that the plans will vary per school and are not a uniform directive from DepEd. She added that the principals will determine the appropriate measures based on the condition and circumstances of their schools.
Since Monday, district supervisors have been conducting field monitoring across 48 schools to determine what technical assistance the DepEd can provide to school heads in addressing their concerns.
To recall, at least 16 out of 48 public schools in Mandaue City sustained partial damage following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.
Oro said a Quick Response Fund (QRF) from the DepEd Central Office may be tapped to assist affected schools.
She added that the division is preparing data on the extent of the damage, the affected schools, and the current status of the buildings. Once completed, this report will serve as the basis for the release of the QRF budget from the central office.
During the inspection conducted by Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito ‘Jonkie’ Ouano last Monday, cracks were observed on several columns at the Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School. At the Looc Elementary School, the building locally known as the ‘Petron Building’ was found to be tilted. Meanwhile, at the Mandaue City Central School, columns with visible cracks were also discovered.