P2.3 B needed to rebuild Marawi schools — DepEd

MANILA , Philippines - Rebuilding the schools damaged in the ongoing crisis in Marawi City will cost the government at least P2.3 billion, Education Secretary Leonor Briones has said.

At a tax reform forum on Wednesday, Briones said at least 132 schools have been affected by the fighting between government troops and Maute militants. She said P800 million is needed to rebuild 15 schools that were bombed, burned and looted. 

“As of June 30, 16,472 Marawi children evacuated…They need not only temporary learning spaces, but also furniture, fixtures, books and laboratory equipment as well as backpacks,” said Briones.

Authorities have yet to assess the full extent of the damage.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said it would conduct Brigada Eskwela as soon as the military allows entry into the city.

Classes remain suspended in Marawi and in eight districts in Lanao del Sur.

Briones said the financial needs of the education sector are increasing with DepEd’s commitment to provide quality education, implement the K to 12 program and meet the challenge caused by climate change.

“The priority given to education is not just a matter of policy. It is also a matter of law. The Constitution mandates the state to protect and promote the right of every citizen to quality education that is accessible to all,” she said.

Briones said she fully supports the tax reform program, noting that it is a pro-poor and pro-development initiative if taken as a package.

“The intended main beneficiaries of the expected net revenue gains from the comprehensive tax reform – infrastructure, education, health and social protection – are critical sectors in facilitating sustained growth and development that is inclusive,” she said.

Relocate Marawi

Meanwhile, Rep.  Salvador Belaro Jr. of Ang Edukasyon party-list urged President Duterte to relocate Marawi instead of rebuilding it.

“Do not rebuild on the current downtown because it will take much longer. All debris and rubble must be bulldozed and battle-worn buildings demolished,” said Belaro.

He said it would  be faster and more economical to reconstruct Marawi by establishing its new economic and government center on the western and southwestern areas of the city.

“Those areas are near the Mindanao State University campus. Let MSU be the beacon of hope for Marawi. There is already a university community around MSU and that area can develop further,” said Belaro.– With Jess Diaz