Over 3,600 displaced students move to other schools

MANILA, Philippines - More than 3,600 students displaced by the continuing clashes in Marawi City have transferred to schools in other parts of the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) said yesterday. 

Data from the agency showed that around 2,900 students transferred to schools in Region 10, which included Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities that absorbed most of the evacuees. 

At least 300 students from Marawi enrolled in Metro Manila, while more than 230 transferred to schools in Region 12.

Students affected by the Marawi conflict also enrolled in Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Latest data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) showed that over 222,000 people have been displaced by the armed conflict. 

Of the number, around 18,000 residents are staying in evacuation centers and the others are living with their relatives in different parts of the country. 

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said late enrollees would be accepted by DepEd until the end of the month. 

She also ordered schools to accept transferees from Marawi even if they do not have the necessary documentary requirements.

Rebuilding Marawi

President Duterte vowed to rebuild Marawi City after the Maute terror group launched a siege three weeks ago.

“There has to be reconstruction. We have to help rebuild Marawi City,” Duterte said when he visited the soldiers of the 603rd Brigade at Camp Iranun, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao yesterday.

The President said the government should help in rebuilding the lives of the Maranaos and others who have been affected by the Marawi conflict.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said a stronger and more resilient Marawi would emerge after the destruction caused by the fighting between government forces and the militants.

“After the battle phase, we will start rebuilding Marawi City. So we have informed our forces and engineers who can help in the reconstruction of damaged buildings and government installations,” Padilla said. 

“We will help Marawi rise again at the soonest time,” he added.

Padilla sought the help of local government units and civil society groups in rehabilitating Marawi.

“We will also need health workers from the Department of Health and other organizations to help the residents, especially children and women, overcome their trauma,” he said. – With Edith Regalado