DepEd to school heads: Prepare for Typhoon Hagupit

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, December 3, advised school administrators to start preparing for Typhoon Hagupit, which has a “big chance” of making landfall in the Visayas this weekend.

“We’re calling on our school heads to prepare for the next two days. Secure records and books, make sure computers won’t get wet. Trees that need pruning should be taken cared of so they won’t fall on classrooms,” Education Assistant Secretary Rey Laguda said in a mix of English and Filipino. 

The typhoon is expected to to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday, December 4, with 160 kilometers per hour winds and gustiness of up to 195 km per hour. It will be given the Philippine codename “Ruby.”

ICYMI: @DepEd_PH reminds school heads to take precautionary measures in anticipation of TS Hagupit #educACTION pic.twitter.com/L13VHts0ww

— DepEd (@DepEd_PH) December 3, 2014

PAGASA also warned of possible 3-4 meter high storm surges along the coastlines of Eastern Visayas, the region which bore the brunt of 2013’s Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan).

In Yolanda-hit areas, the education department advised schools undergoing repair and construction to secure their equipment and materials ahead of Typhoon Hagupit.

School divisions were told to work with local government units in identifying schools that can be used as evacuation centers, and in declaraing class suspensions.

“Isang tinitingnan is if we will suspend [on] Friday (We’re looking at suspending classes on Friday), but this will be in coordination with LGUs, depending on how the development is tomorrow,” Laguda added. – with reports from Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com

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