Cordillera students shift to alternative learning as #UwanPH damages nearly 1,000 classrooms

BAGUIO CITY — Elementary and secondary learners in various parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will have to shift to Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs), such as Temporary Learning Spaces and the distribution of learning packets, to minimize disruptions while school rehabilitation and reconstruction are underway.

The Department of Education (DepEd) in CAR has activated its disaster response protocols following the extensive damage left by the typhoon. Based on the initial situation report as of 10 November, the typhoon severely impacted school facilities and disrupted classes across the region.

DepEd reported that 3,459 teachers and personnel were also affected. Additionally, 1,932 individuals sought refuge in 44 schools designated as evacuation centers, with Abra recording the highest number at 1,416 evacuees across 25 schools.

The typhoon caused significant structural damage, with 946 classrooms affected across 28 schools. Kalinga logged 45 totally damaged classrooms, while Benguet recorded 442 partially damaged classrooms. The destruction of 53 instructional equipment items further compounds the challenge of ensuring safe and continuous learning in the region. DepEd identified the Cordillera as one of the hardest-hit regions, underscoring the extensive recovery work needed.

DepEd CAR, in coordination with its central office and local government units, has initiated a comprehensive recovery plan. Immediate actions include close monitoring of the typhoon’s impact and ongoing coordination with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) officers. Regional and division offices are updating shared incident monitoring data to request support from the national Quick Response Fund (QRF).

DepEd has committed to fast-tracking the repair and reconstruction of damaged schools and is working closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for joint validation and prioritization. DepEd Cordillera Information Officer Cyrelle Gaye Miranda said they are awaiting DPWH engineers’ structural assessments to finalize rehabilitation plans.