Over 4T classrooms used as evacuation centers

CEBU, Philippines - Over the years, residents fleeing from calamities, be it natural or man-made, have been taking temporary shelter in schools, apart from other government structures.

This is true with the most recent critical situation that the Philippines is yet again to face. Department of Education-7 infrastructure chief, Engr. Victor Yntig, said they are keeping track of the classrooms

However, he clarified that they have delegated it to the local government units and the division schools superintendents to decide which buildings are suitable to be used in times of calamity like typhoon Ruby.

"The local government unit engineer or building officials are the ones to decide and pick among the classroom buildings. In coordination with local DepEd officials, we have delegated it to them because they are more familiar with the circumstances," Yntig told The Freeman.

But the priority is the newly-constructed buildings mostly from private sector which were built to withstand to a certain extent typhoon and earthquake.

"Dinhi nato ma-test ang resiliency ani nga mga buildings," Yntig said.

As of yesterday afternoon, six divisions within the region have reported that classrooms in their areas have been tapped as evacuation centers.

In Cebu City, a total of 4,063 classrooms were occupied; 2,204 classrooms in south Cebu City and 1,859 classrooms in the north.

Talisay City division has reported that 25 schools were used as evacuation centers.

In the island province of Siquijor, people living in critical areas temporarily stayed in 47 of its schools.

In Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, five "big" schools plus the Negros Oriental State University campus are housing evacuees.

Still in Negros Oriental, seven elementary schools, three high school campuses, and two tertiary schools (NORSU and Consolacion College) were the designated evacuation centers.

In nearby Bohol island province, all schools in the seven total districts were identified as evacuation centers.—  FPL (FREEMAN)