More than 5,500 classrooms were either destroyed or severely damaged by the recent Sarangani earthquake, pushing estimated rehabilitation and reconstruction costs beyond P13 billion and disrupting the education of over 266,000 learners, according to data released by the Department of Education (DepEd).

As of 24 June, the Incident Management and Reporting System report show that 1,676 schools, 266,001 learners, and 11,557 teaching and non-teaching personnel across five regions and 39 school divisions were affected by the 7.8 earthquake.

DepEd estimates that 2,631 classrooms were totally destroyed, requiring about P9.21 billion for replacement, while another 2,945 classrooms suffered major structural damage needing P3.54 billion in repairs. An additional 6,917 classrooms sustained minor damage, with rehabilitation costs pegged at P338.9 million.

Combined, the estimated cost of repairing and replacing damaged classrooms has reached more than P13 billion.

The earthquake also damaged school equipment and learning resources, including 21,761 chairs, 3,987 information technology devices, 418 water and sanitation facilities, and 17,604 learning materials.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the government was pursuing both immediate and long-term measures to restore learning conditions in affected communities.

"The safety of our learners and school personnel remains our highest priority," Angara said, adding that the department is providing temporary learning spaces while working on more resilient infrastructure projects.

To minimize learning disruptions, DepEd said it had expanded psychosocial support and alternative learning arrangements in affected communities.

According to the agency, psychosocial interventions have reached 216,841 learners, 10,166 school personnel, and 2,794 parents in 398 schools.

DepEd has also implemented extended class hours, make-up classes, and the Dynamic Learning Program while some schools continue to rely on distance learning due to damaged facilities.

The agency is likewise accelerating the procurement of temporary learning spaces, including prefabricated and modular classrooms, for schools that can no longer safely accommodate students.

For long-term rehabilitation, DepEd said it would tap the ISRS Program, which was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board in 2024 with support from the World Bank.

The program uses engineering assessments and hazard mapping to identify schools vulnerable to earthquakes and other disasters, with interventions ranging from repairs and retrofitting to full reconstruction.

Of the 2,489 schools initially identified as affected by the earthquake, 241 are already included in the program's priority list.

The remaining 2,248 schools are being evaluated for possible funding through the Quick Response Fund, the Basic Education Facilities Fund, and other disaster recovery mechanisms.

DepEd and the Department of Public Works and Highways have also created a joint task force to inspect damaged school buildings, validate engineering recommendations, and expedite the release of repair funds.

The education department said future classroom projects would be required to comply with enhanced structural standards and climate-resilient building designs as part of efforts to reduce disaster risks in schools.###