Gov’t to fast-track rehab of Marawi schools

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Education (DepEd) has pledged to fast-track the rehabilitation of schools in Marawi City after the military ends its operations in the city against members of the Maute terrorist group.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said they would conduct a Brigada Eskwela in Marawi City to harness support of both the public and the private sector in the rebuilding of schools.

“While we expect that the situation will be resolved in the near future, we also consider the safety and security, not only of our learners and workforce, but also the individuals and organizations that will go the extra mile to ensure the resumption of classes in Marawi,” Briones said.

“As soon as clearance is given that the city is safe from unexploded ordnance and other security threats, we will mobilize communities and volunteers to rebuild schools,” she added.

The secretary said the activity aims to help displaced learners, teachers and personnel rebuild their lives by repairing damaged schools and resuming education as soon as safety and security permits are issued.

DepEd has yet to determine the extent of the damage caused by the infighting to the schools in the city.

The date of the conduct of Brigada Eskwela, as well as the opening of classes, have yet to be decided.

DepEd, however, said it is already accepting donations, including construction materials and school supplies.

“Soon, Marawi will be ready to rise again and Brigada Eskwela will be the communities’ way to contribute to the healing process by ensuring that education is not curtailed by violence,” Briones said.

“We strongly encourage agencies, organizations  and individuals to coordinate with DepEd to ensure that donations are appropriately identified and properly distributed,” she added.

Some 20,000 students are believed to have been affected by the ongoing fighting in Marawi.

Around 4,000 were monitored to have enrolled in schools outside the city for the current academic year.