November 25, 2020 – The Department of Education (DepEd) would like to shed light on misinformation being spread on the passing of a learner along with three other out-of-school youth in Binan, Laguna.

Contrary to news items and social media posts, the incident reports of Schools Division Office (SDO) of Binan and the police stated that the victims did not drown in an attempt to submit self-learning modules. According to the police report, they went out to deliver clothes to the fisherman father of two of the victims. This was confirmed by the fisherman father himself. On the day of the incident, the public was informed that schools were closed due to recent typhoons and flooding and thus, retrieval of the learning materials were also suspended.

DepEd has already reached out to the concerned media outlet to rectify or delete the article. We also appeal to everyone that we should thoroughly check the information we are reporting to the public.

Regardless, we are encouraging our field offices to continue implementing academic ease measures in the distance learning set up to ensure the safety and well-being of our learners, as well as our teachers and personnel, in these trying times.  We must not compromise anyone’s health and safety in our mission to deliver quality education.

We are saddened to learn about their sudden passing, and we are sending our deepest condolences to the grieving families and friends of the victims as we pray for their eternal repose.

The Central Office is currently coordinating with the SDO of Biñan City for assistance, which will be provided by the field office, in coordination with private partners, as soon as possible.

 

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