DepEd Approves Night Use of Classrooms for Kanlaon Evacuees

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) has allowed the temporary use of classrooms at night by internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by Kanlaon Volcano’s unrest in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, provided it does not disrupt regular class schedules.

DepEd-Negros Occidental Administrative Officer V, lawyer Jasper Tadeo Tuala, confirmed Wednesday that IDPs may occupy classrooms overnight but must vacate them during the day to ensure face-to-face classes continue.

Tuala emphasized that classes, which typically begin early and end around 4 to 5 p.m., must remain uninterrupted.

The arrangement was finalized after a June 17 consultation between DepEd and local officials, following a request from La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan for humanitarian assistance.

“They found the request reasonable since the IDPs have nowhere else to go,” Tuala said, adding that implementation is still being monitored.

IDPs previously staying in school-based evacuation centers were recently moved to tents to resume in-person classes.

Decamped evacuees include 677 from Barangays Mansalanao and Sag-ang, 244 from Barangay Biak Na Bato, and 171 from Barangay Masulog.

Some evacuees are currently housed in public facilities, including the La Castellana National High School senior high covered court and other municipal evacuation sites.

Only four schools in La Castellana remain affected, impacting 600 to 800 learners, according to DepEd-Negros Occidental.

Temporary learning spaces are being established, and contingency plans, including alternative learning modes, are in place should an eruption occur.

The Office of Civil Defense–Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) reported that 12 classrooms at La Castellana National High School–Senior High are now being used to shelter IDPs.

Meanwhile, 11 junior high classrooms remain available as additional tents are being erected in Barangay Cabacungan’s Masulog Extension.