At least 312 public schools have sustained infrastructure damage following the onslaught of super typhoon “Uwan,” with Bicol and CALABARZON among the hardest-hit regions, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Monday.
As of noon on 10 November, the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) reported that 1,182 classrooms suffered minor damage, 366 were majorly damaged, and 261 were totally destroyed.
These figures are still being verified as additional reports continue to arrive from regional and division offices. Bicol, CALABARZON, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recorded the highest numbers of damaged classrooms due to Uwan.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara assured affected communities that the department is committed to the immediate protection of students, teachers, and school personnel, as well as the long-term continuity of learning.
“Our teachers, parents, and students are going through a tough time with typhoons ‘Uwan’ and ‘Tino,’” Angara said. “We sympathize with our countrymen and assure them that DepEd is with you in every step of the recovery and rebuilding of hope in every classroom.”
DepEd also reported that 5,572 classrooms in 1,072 schools across 11 regions are currently being used as evacuation centers, temporarily sheltering displaced families.
To address immediate recovery needs, DepEd has identified funding requirements of P20.2 million for clean-up and clearing operations and P57.9 million for minor repairs, totaling approximately P78.1 million.
Angara added that the department has prioritized the implementation of Alternative Delivery Modes in schools that remain closed. Funds have been downloaded to the regions to produce learning packets and lesson guides under the Dynamic Learning Program and other modalities.
DepEd said it continues to work closely with local councils for rapid assessment and relief coordination.