Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday assured that the Department of Education (DepEd) is working closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for structural integrity assessments and with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the possible replenishment of the Quick Response Fund (QRF).

“We will work with Secretary Vince [Dizon] sa QRF and also sa new classrooms. If we can build na mas malaking icoconstruct kaysa dun sa nasira, para anticipatory na rin, parang build back better,” Angara said.

DepEd has activated alternative learning modes, including modular distance learning and Edukahon, to ensure that education continues even in damaged schools. Temporary learning spaces and tent classrooms are being deployed in coordination with local governments and partner agencies.

The department is also coordinating the replacement of damaged learning materials and ICT equipment, as well as the provision of psychosocial support for affected teachers and students.

According to DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), 14,925 teaching and non-teaching personnel were affected by the earthquake, with 57 reported injuries. A total of 168,945 learners were also affected, including 187 injured students.

To support its personnel, DepEd has activated financial assistance programs, including the P150,000 Provident Fund loan and the GSIS emergency loan, and has allowed flexible work arrangements until buildings are declared safe.

Angara and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, together with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., traveled to Davao Oriental to assess the aftermath of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.

DepEd also confirmed that structural engineers from the DPWH Central Office have been deployed since October 11 to conduct integrity tests, following the joint instructions of Secretaries Angara and Dizon during their initial inspection.

Based on DepEd’s 13 October (12 a.m.) DRRMS report, a total of 1,140 schools sustained damage across eight regions, with 7,575 classrooms affected. Of these, 1,297 were totally damaged, 1,004 suffered major damage, and 5,274 had minor damage. The total cost of repair and reconstruction is estimated at P4 billion.

The hardest hit was Region XI (Davao Region), which recorded 764 damaged schools and over 5,350 totally damaged classrooms. Manay National High School, one of the most severely affected, faces an estimated P73.3 million in repairs and replacements for classrooms and laboratories.