DepEd helps 7 teachers involved in sea mishap

By Connie Calipay

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has recognized the dedication of five teachers and two volunteer-teachers of Hubo Elementary School in Magallanes town in Sorsogon who survived a boat accident while on their way to their school.

“Our field office in Sorsogon has provided financial assistance and psychosocial support for them in aid of the physical and emotional trauma they experienced. The Schools Division Office also seeks to replace the equipment they lost in the incident and offer them leave credits to fully recover. I also ordered Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua, Undersecretary for Administration, to share with them at least two laptops intended for the Last Mile Schools,” DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said in a May 15 statement.

To further protect the welfare of the educators, Briones said the department is providing special hardship allowance for public school teachers and officials exposed to extreme difficulties and hazards, such as difficulty in commuting to the place of work.

She said DepEd has also adopted alternative work arrangements such as work-from-home setup and flexible working hours pursuant to existing Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) guidelines.

“In these trying times, we salute the passion of our teachers who continuously deliver education to their learners, wherever they are. In this regard, as our Filipino educators commit to their duty, we are dedicated to prioritizing their protection against any potential harm,” Briones added.

DepEd-Bicol spokesperson Mayflor Marie Jumamil said the teachers have received the assistance given by the central office, and they are doing well.

“They are undergoing psychological first-aid and reporting to the district’s office for the meantime,” she said in an interview.

Jumamil said the incident happened on May 3 while the teachers were on their way to their school, the boat capsized because of strong winds and sea current. (PNA)