House panel OKs reso for smooth emergency transfer of learners

PROTECTION OF LEARNERS. A photo taken on June 21, 2023 shows students from Guinobatan town in Albay continue to go to their schools despite being sheltered in different evacuation centers due to Mayon Volcano’s effusive eruption. A House of Representatives panel on Monday (Aug. 8, 2023) adopted a resolution urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to formulate and implement national guidelines on the emergency transfer of learners affected by natural and human-induced disasters in basic education institutions. (Photo courtesy of 9ID Task Force Sagip via PNA)

MANILA – A House of Representatives committee on Monday adopted a resolution urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to formulate and implement national guidelines on the emergency transfer of learners affected by natural and human-induced disasters in basic education institutions.

During a hearing, the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, chaired by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, adopted House Resolution (HR) 1059, which calls for a standardization of processes and protocols for the emergency transfer of learners.

Romulo expressed dismay that learners who are victims of disasters are burdened with the added difficulty of producing numerous documents required by the receiving schools, despite the existence of the Learner Information System (LIS).

He said the LIS contains student information, including the unique Learner Reference Number assigned to each student from the time of enrollment until their graduation regardless if they transfer schools.

HR 1059 provides that ensuring that learners enjoy their right to education at all times by taking positive measures favorable to learners, even in times of crises, becomes a policy of the State.

“The widespread impact of these hazards impedes the provision of education as they disrupt the lives of our people due to displacement. Due to such dangers, we are compelled to institutionalize processes and responsibilities that would ensure the continuity of education of our learners in times of natural and man-made or induced disasters” he said.

The panel, meanwhile, suspended deliberations on the substitute bill to HBs 928, 1723, 5589, 1585 and 7666 or the proposed “Expanded Government Assistance to Students, Teachers, and Schools in the Private Basic Education Act.”

The suspension was made to accommodate more inputs from stakeholders to fine-tune the bills.