DepEd-ARMM provides psychological first aid to students displaced by Jolo fire

COTABATO CITY: The Department of Education of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) is providing psychological first aid to students adversely affected by the huge fire that hit barangays Busbus and Walled City in Jolo, Sulu on Tuesday, July 24.

“Initially nagkaroon ng psychological first aid para sa mga Grade 1 to Grade 6 students,” said Atty. Rasol Mitmug, DepEd-ARMM secretary. Such assistance provided to victims, especially the children, help them cope with psychological trauma in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Education department, Sec. Mitmug said, has yet to verify the total number of students affected by the fire. Initial report shows 92 students from Jolo National High School, over 200 students from Sulu National High School, 100 pupils from Mohammad Tulawie Central Elementary School, and 9 pupils in Asturias Elementary School were displaced by the fire.

“Meron din kaming ino-organize na relief goods for donation,” said Sec. Mitmug. He said those who want to give their donations can visit drop-off sites such as the DepEd’s regional and divisions offices.

Reports also show that over 5,000 families, or 30,000 individuals, were displaced by the fire. Some of them are currently staying at five evacuation centers namely: Jolo Municipal Hall, Jolo Tennis Court, Philippine Muslim College, Notre Dame Gym, and Busbus Barangay Hall.

The regional government has extended initial relief assistance to the fire victims on Wednesday morning, July 25. - Bureau of Public Information