DepEd recovers records in Yolanda-hit areas

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is continuing efforts to recover and reconstruct school records damaged by super typhoon Yolanda in affected divisions of Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas. 

DepEd began the assessment in December 2013 and mapped out a strategy in recovery and reconstruction of select school records given the constraints in the area.

"Records that have been partially damaged were digitally captured and sent to division offices. Those that were lost or totally destroyed are being reconstructed using other available documents," said Rogelio Morales, DepEd Director for Technical Services.

In the four divisions of Tacloban City, Eastern Samar, Ormoc City and Leyte alone, records of 78,000 learners in elementary and high school have been affected.  The students' permanent school records contained in Form 137 was identified as a priority. In these areas, around 41,627 were deemed intact, 9,669 had partial damage, and 7,297 were lost or totally destroyed.

Partially damaged forms were photo captured and then reproduced on new forms. Tablets donated by the Turkish relief agency helped hasten the process of restoration of permanent school records. To date, more than 10,500 school records have been digitally captured; 45000 copies of blank form 137s as well office supplies were also sent to both regions needed for school records recovery operations. (www.deped.gov.ph) (FREEMAN)