Conjugal rooms eyed for married couples in Albay evacuation centers –report

Married couples who have evacuated from their homes after the alert level at Mayon Volcano was raised may soon get access to conjugal rooms as well as hotels or inns, a report on “24 Oras” said Wednesday.

This plan is part of the local government's psycho-social care program to give privacy to couples who are expected to stay longer in evacuation centers given the volcano's current condition, the report said.

Lack of privacy has been cited as one of the reasons why couples go back to their homes, which can be dangerous since Mayon could erupt anytime despite the lull in its activity over the past few days.

Although many of the evacuees agree to the plan, there are others who think staying in evacuation centers is better to prevent getting pregnant, the report said.



Children's welfare

Aside from a psycho-social care program for couples, there is also a program for the children in evacuation centers.

In Camalig North Central School, for example, tents have been put up to serve as classrooms so the students' education won't be interrupted.

However, lack of ventilation is a big problem, the “24 Oras” report said.  

In Ligao City, children in evacuation centers are treated to a videoke singing contest to help cope with the struggles and challenges of living away from home.

The Department of Education plans to resume classes in all 76 schools which are also serving as evacuation centers in Albay by Friday. Based on  DepEd's latest report, 28 of the affected schools in Albay have already resumed classes.  —Trisha Macas/KBK/NB, GMA News