Over P5 billion needed to rebuild storm-hit classrooms

MANILA, Philippines — At least P5.072 billion is needed for the reconstruction of 476 schools damaged by the southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclones, the Department of Education (DepEd) said yesterday in a situation report.

Meanwhile, at least P1.013 billion is needed to fund the major repair of 624 schools, the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service said.

No less than P277.34 million will also be needed for the minor repair of 1,444 schools and another P46.983 million for the cleanup and clearing operations of another 1,627.

The DepEd said that 1,145 classrooms in 307 schools are still being used as evacuation centers for at least 9,798 families.

These include 172 evacuation centers in Central Luzon; 57 evacuation centers in Calabarzon; 37 evacuation centers in Ilocos Region; 15 evacuation centers in Metro Manila; 11 evacuation centers in Eastern Visayas; eight evacuation centers in Mimaropa and seven evacuation centers in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

“The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service maintains close coordination with field offices to track emerging impacts, validate class suspension data through the ‘Walang Pasok’ monitor and support timely clearing and repair of affected schools,” DepEd said.

DepEd advised field offices and school disaster risk reduction and management teams to sustain monitoring and operational readiness as weather conditions remain capable of triggering localized flooding, landslides and further disruptions.