THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) has intensified preparedness and safety measures to ensure the protection of learners and school personnel amid heightened magmatic unrest, as Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3.

In a news release Monday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the protection of learners, teachers and school personnel remains the agency’s top priority, even as government response efforts continue in affected areas.

He said at least 850 all-weather kits and N95 masks have been prepositioned in the area for immediate distribution to affected schools.

About PHP20,000 worth of learning, teaching and hygiene kits have also been allotted for each school to bolster local contingency plans.

“Prayoridad natin ang kanilang kaligtasan habang nagbibigay ng suporta para sa kanilang edukasyon sa gitna ng sakuna (Our priority is their safety while providing support for their education amidst the disaster),” Angara said.

He added that DepEd is working to ensure learning continuity and mitigate disruptions despite the situation.

“Sisikapin natin na hindi maantala ang pag-aaral ng ating mga kabataan dito sa Albay sa kabila ng sitwasyon, lalo na’t magsisimula na ang summer remediation programs at darating na ang pasukan (We will strive to ensure that the education of our youth here in Albay is not disrupted despite the situation, especially since the summer remediation programs are about to start and the school year is approaching),” he said.

In Camalig, Albay, Angara said several schools continue to serve as evacuation centers.

As of Sunday, DepEd said Tagaytay Elementary School, Bariw Elementary School, and Cabangan Elementary School are housing families displaced by the volcanic unrest.

A total of 34 classrooms were also converted into temporary shelters, accommodating 488 families or about 1,315 individuals, including 101 learners and nine school personnel.

DepEd assured that it is in close coordination with disaster risk reduction and management authorities to reinforce emergency protocols and ensure the safety of learners and staff.

DepEd field offices have also been instructed to secure learning materials, records, and equipment while keeping emergency supplies ready.

Strict restrictions are also enforced within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and Extended Danger Zone around Mayon Volcano due to the risk of sudden explosive activity.

Residents are advised to remain alert for possible steam-driven explosions, ash emissions, and other volcanic hazards as Mayon Volcano unrest persists. (PNA)