#SchoolPatrolPH: DepEd seeks info on schools damaged by Urduja

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd), on Sunday, December 17, called on the public, particularly those living in areas affected by Tropical Depression Urduja (Kai-tak), to report the condition of schools in their community.

The crowdsourcing campaign, dubbed #SchoolPatrolPH, aims to provide education officials with a quick snapshot of school buildings damaged due to the slow-moving tropical depression.

The heavy rain brought by Urduja triggered floods that submerged houses, left passengers stranded in airports and ports, and forced residents to flee their homes. Hardest-hit areas include Eastern Samar, Biliran, and Leyte.

In Biliran alone, at least 26 people were killed in landslides, according to the local government.

How to report

The public can send photos and post status updates on their Facebook and Twitter accounts using the hashtag #SchoolPatrolPH. The posts should be set to public.

Reports can also be sent via SMS to 2929 for Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers.

Text Format: <Name>, <Location>, <Name of school>, <School address>, <Condition of school building> #SchoolPatrolPH

Sample Text: Juan de la Cruz, Taft, Eastern Samar, Taft Public Elementary School, school was completely submerged in flood. All teachers and students safe. #SchoolPatrolPH

Rappler’s Agos platform will map all #SchoolPatrolPH reports on agos.rappler.com and relay the information to authorities.

School principals are also required to send flash reports to their district superintendents and to the DepEd central office. The DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) is gathering all reports. – Rappler.com

If you want to help those affected by Urduja or if you have reports about their humanitarian needs like temporary shelter, relief goods, water, and hygiene kits, post them on the Agos map, text to 2929 (Smart and Sun), or tag MovePH on Twitter or Facebook. You may also link up with other organizations that called for donations.