THE DEPARTMENT of Education suspended classes in 19 schools that were affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

“Mga 19 schools nag-suspend na tayo ng classes dahil ang primary (concern) natin ay protection of children,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said on Wednesday.

She added that all 19 schools were located in the danger zone.

Of this number, 17 are in Agoncillo town and two in Laurel.

Briones said that the DepEd discourages the use of schools as evacuation centers. However, during disasters, the department will allow the use of its facilities as temporary shelters.

“May schools tayong ginagawang evacuation centers like Agoncillo,” she said.