Abra: The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Abra are working together to prepare the remaining three classrooms at Dangdangla Elementary School for the upcoming May 12 polls, following a devastating fire.
According to Philippines News Agency, the fire destroyed 70 percent of the school's structures, including four buildings and seven classrooms. The fire also consumed eight laptops, 13 television sets, two projectors, a sound system, two portable speakers, 20 electric fans, 10 printers, learning materials, school records, and furniture. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Bureau of Fire Protection, which has been urged to expedite its findings for potential legal and administrative actions.
Despite the damage, Comelec Chairperson Erwin Garcia has assured that the voting location will remain unchanged. The three classrooms that survived the fire will serve as voting precincts for approximately 900 voters. Measures are being taken to ensure the rooms are safe and fully equipped for the election. Comelec-Cordillera Director Julius Torres confirmed that a nearby covered court will serve as a temporary holding area for voters on election day.
Dr. Estela Cari±o, DepEd-CAR director, noted that the estimated cost of the damage is being finalized, and efforts are underway to secure assistance from the national office for rebuilding the destroyed facilities. In the meantime, Schools Division Superintendent Amador Garcia mentioned the possibility of using temporary learning spaces or alternative delivery modes (ADM) for the education of over 100 students displaced by the fire. The community, including parents, is actively involved in the clean-up efforts to ensure safety and minimize disruptions to both the election and the school's daily operations.