Mandaue to decamp all but 7 evacuation centers

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Government has decided to decamp most of its evacuation centers, except for at least seven schools where evacuees will continue to stay for the meantime.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division has requested Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano to allow the resumption of face-to-face classes on Thursday, November 13, to facilitate the conduct of major examinations among students.

“Of course, ila pa na i-adjust ilang classroom activities kay gusto man nila nga maka-exam na ‘tawn ang public schools,” said city administrator Gonzalo Malig-in in an interview with reporters yesterday.

During a meeting on the same day, DepEd Mandaue Division headed by Dr. Bianito Dagatan recommended that the seven schools, which will temporarily continue serving as evacuation centers, adopt blended learning.

These schools are located in barangays Umapad, Paknaan, Opao, and Tingub.

The meeting also aimed to assess the 18 schools that were earlier identified as evacuation centers last week following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

Malig-in said they will write to the DepEd Central Visayas office since the stay of evacuees will likely extend beyond the agreed 15-day period.

“Ang agreement ana sa city is 15 days. After that, magsabot na sad og usab,” he said.

He added that although the 15 days have not yet lapsed, the city is aware that evacuees may have to stay longer. Because of this, the city is drafting a letter to the DepEd regional office to formalize the request for an extension.

Malig-on clarified that not all seven evacuation centers will extend for another 15 days, but for now, the city is asking for an extension for them.

All other schools are expected to resume face-to-face classes once Ouano announces the official resumption which is on Thursday, November 13.

As of today, November 12, classes in Mandaue City remain suspended since the onslaught of Typhoon Tino. Some students still don’t have access to water, have yet to return home, or lost their belongings during the storm.

Malig-on said since Mandaue is gradually returning to normal, the city is also preparing plans to help students transition back to regular classes. — (FREEMAN)