“While clearing efforts have been instrumental, the scale of the damage underscores the need for additional inter-agency assistance and resource augmentation to expedite debris removal, cleanup, and the restoration of safe and functional learning spaces,” Angara said in a statement.
A 12 August situation report by the department detailed damage across 1,157 public schools, including 1,301 completely destroyed classrooms, 1,346 classrooms with major damage, and 3,936 with minor damage.
The department estimates it needs P32.7 million for cleanup and clearing operations across the affected schools, as well as an additional P192.9 million for minor classroom repairs.
At least 217 public schools are serving as temporary evacuation centers, sheltering 6,476 families across 766 classrooms.
Angara proposed utilizing the remaining balance of an existing P2 billion TUPAD allocation earmarked for Brigada Eskwela, the government’s school maintenance program. About P1.09 billion of the fund has already been spent or allocated, according to the department.
“Brigada Eskwela should not end when classes begin, because calamities can strike at any time,” Angara said.
The Education Department and DoLE initially aimed to assist 5,000 public schools under their joint program but expanded coverage to over 9,300 schools, employing roughly 171,000 workers.
Angara also urged expanding TUPAD assistance to maintain sanitation and safety in schools currently operating as evacuation centers.
Additionally, he recommended aligning the effort with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Cash-for-Work program to prioritize affected parents and guardians.
