DepEd mulls Feb. 3 resumption of classes in areas affected by Taal eruption

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said it would recommend the resumption of classes in areas that were affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

“Because things are calming down in certain places [and] in the schools which we believe can already be reopened, classes can be resumed starting February 3,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones told reporters at a press conference in Pasig City.

“There are places na mas natatamaan sa Cavite [areas in Cavite are more affected]. There are places na mas natatamaan sa Laguna. [Some places in Laguna are more affected],” she added.

Some areas in Batangas not affected by the Taal Volcano unrest could resume classes to accommodate students who are now staying in evacuation centers, Briones said.

“Hindi naman buong Batangas ang affected, so kung pwede na magresume ng classes doon para sa evacuees [Not all areas in Batangas are affected so maybe we can resume classes so that evacuees] will have the opportunity to go to these schools,” the DepEd chief said.

Records from DepEd showed that five school divisions or 1,054 schools or 574,000 students in Region IV-A or in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) were affected by the suspension of classes as of Jan. 23.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 4 which means that a hazardous explosive eruption is imminent within hours to days.

Edited by MUF