The sleepy town of Tarangnan, Samar that used to be the epicenter of the health crisis in Eastern Visayas, is now shifting its effort to the printing of modules for learners after overcoming the worst chapter of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in their area.
This week, the local government designated space at the town hall for the distribution of bond papers and printing of modules using two newly-acquired copiers. This is the same space used for the packaging of relief goods, according to the local government.
“We have already started the initial reproduction of modules. By September, we will allow all teachers to print colored materials by schedule. The printing for teachers is unlimited and it’s free,” Mayor Arnel Tan said in a social media post on Thursday.
The local government has initially allocated PHP500,000 for the acquisition of copiers and bond papers.
The same amount will be spent next month for the purchase of additional bond papers and inks for schools with their own printers.
This week, Tan has directed the immediate distribution of bond papers to all schools. The number varies on the student population per campus. This is in preparation for the implementation of blended learning during a health crisis.
The local government has no report yet on the number of teachers and students when contacted by the Philippine News Agency.
Tarangnan was the most affected area in Eastern Visayas during the first wave of Covid-19 infections in the region.
The town had its first two confirmed cases on April 7. They are personnel of the 10-bed Tarangnan Community Hospital who got the virus from their co-worker, a doctor from Calbayog City, who traveled early this year to Metro Manila.
Between April to May, about half of confirmed Covid-19 patients in Eastern Visayas are from Tarangnan.
Discrimination paralyzed local governance and virus-infected health workers are among the ordeals faced by the town between April and May.
In the past five months, the town has recorded 55 cases, including 45 recoveries and two deaths. As of August 26, there are only eight active cases left.
Tarangnan, home to about 25,000 people, was identified as one of the poorest towns in Samar with a poverty incidence of 43 percent. (PNA)
