After two months of being stranded at the Community Technical College of Southeastern Mindanao (CTCSM) in Maco, Davao de Oro, the students were finally rescued by the provincial government on Saturday.

In a statement from the provincial government of Davao de Oro, the 35 rescued students were brought to a patient care center at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro and were screened by the provincial health staff as their 14-day quarantine commenced.

“Apart from that, a rapid test was also done to further check if the students were not manifesting coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) like symptoms,” the statement said.

Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, in a recent radio interview, said he received the information on Monday about the students who were asking for medical certificates from the barangay in Lapu-Lapu, Maco, Davao de Oro for them to go home.

“I sent a team from the province to assess the situation of the students inside the private school,” he said.

He added the team reported there are minors inside the facility, while the school administrator said the students were stuck when the community quarantine was implemented as they were waiting for their graduation exercises.

“The school also requested to make their school as a quarantine facility before the students will be allowed to go home, but based on the assessment team, it is not conducive to be a quarantine facility,” Uy said.

Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to Uy on Friday, the CTCSM said it understands why the provincial government declined its request to operate as an accredited patient care facility.

“We understand the tremendous pressure of the provincial governor’s office to ensure the safety and well-being of all your constituents. We therefore respectfully turn over the scholars who wish to go home safely,” the letter stated.

The CTCSM also clarified it did not continue to operate as a school, as it was also caught on lockdown and it has coordinated with the local government.

“The scholars we entrust to you are close to our hearts as we have avowed to help them, coming from very poor families. We know that gaining an education is a step out of poverty. We sincerely hope that they do remain safe and healthy while undergoing the 14-day quarantine,” it added.

The provincial government of Davao de Oro released on March 16 the Provincial Executive Orders 23, 25, and 28, and the Omnibus Community Quarantine Guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force prohibiting all classes and activities inside schools. (PNA)