Teachers, students affected by Mayon activity get P9.7-M worth of US aid

The Mayon volcano, known for its breathtaking beauty and occasional fiery temperament, has recently alerted residents and authorities as it continues exhibiting signs of unrest. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS/Jay Carolino and Arren Christian Ventura)

MANILA, Philippines — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over P9.7 million worth of education-related materials and hygiene kits to aid teachers and out-of-school youth affected by Mayon Volcano’s continued unrest.

In a statement issued on Friday, USAID turned over the assistance last July 27, which is expected to benefit more than 1,700 learners enrolled in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS) and 100 educators in 34 barangays in cities of Legazpi and Tabaco, as well as municipalities of Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Camilig, Daraga, and Guinobatan.

“Our out-of-school youth have already faced so many challenges in their journey to continue their education. Through our collaboration with our Philippine partners, we are restoring education in challenging circumstances and minimizing the effects of disruption in learning,” USAID Philippines Regional Legal Officer Michelle McLeod said.

McLeod joined Malilipot Municipality Mayor Cenon Volante, Legazpi City Vice Mayor Oscar Cristobal, and DepEd Region V Assistant Regional Director Bebiano Sentillas in distributing assistance to beneficiaries.

“These learning kits and psychosocial support from USAID will give our ALS learners and teachers a fighting chance to recover from this disaster,” DepEd Assistant Regional Director Sentillas said.

“DepEd is committed to ensuring as little disruption to education so that vulnerable youth may continue to learn and upskill towards a better tomorrow no matter how difficult the circumstances,” he added.

Earlier in July, the US government, through USAID’s Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines (ABC+) program, donated nearly P2 million worth of educational kits for educators and learners for over 6,000 students and 200 teachers. — Ivana Romero, INQUIRER.net, internet

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