Gatchalian: Hasten repairs of typhoon-damaged classrooms

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local government units (LGUs) to expedite the assessment and repair of school infrastructure damaged by recent typhoons. 

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, warned that delays in rehabilitation of these school infrastructures pose serious risks to the safety of students and teachers.

“I am urging the Department of Education to work with the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units to fast-track the assessments and repairs of damaged classrooms,” Gatchalian said in a statement. 

“Kung mananatiling sira ang ating mga classroom, magpapatuloy ang banta sa kaligtasan ng ating mga mag-aaral at guro.”

The senator also stressed the need for long-term solutions, emphasizing the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure amid the country’s vulnerability to frequent natural disasters.

“We must prioritize making our classrooms and school buildings climate-resilient, not just to protect lives, but to break the costly cycle of repair and reconstruction every time disaster strikes,” he said. 

He added. “Investing in resilient infrastructure now will save resources, safeguard learning, and ensure continuity in education.”

Recent typhoons and enhanced southwest monsoon (habitat) have left hundreds of classrooms either partially or totally damaged across various regions, prompting concerns about students returning to unsafe or makeshift learning spaces when classes resume.