By Brian Campued
The Department of Education (DepEd) has assured to expedite recovery and ensure learning continuity in schools affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) and Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), stressing that it is focused on prioritizing the welfare of learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.
In a statement Monday, the DepEd said at least 312 public schools nationwide were affected by the onslaught of the twin typhoons, with schools in Bicol Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and CALABARZON sustaining the most damage due to Uwan.
“Mabigat ang pinagdadaanan ng ating mga guro, magulang, at mag-aaral sa nagdaang Bagyong Uwan at Tino. Nakikiramay tayo sa ating mga kababayan at tinitiyak namin sa DepEd na kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang ng pagbangon at muling pagbuo ng pag-asa sa bawat silid-aralan,” DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara said.
Based on the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) situation report as of 12:00 p.m. yesterday, 1,182 classrooms were reported to have incurred minor damage, 366 classrooms suffered major damage, while 261 were totally damaged.
However, the agency clarified that the figures are still being verified as additional reports continue to come in from regional and division offices.
To date, 5,572 classrooms in 1,072 schools across 11 regions are being used as evacuation centers.
According to Angara, the agency needs at least P57.9 million to fund minor repairs and another P20.2 million for cleanup and clearing operations in affected schools.
Meanwhile, the DepEd chief said Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) were already implemented to prevent learning disruption in schools temporarily closed due to the recent calamities.
Funds have already been distributed to the regional offices to provide learning packets and lesson guides under the Dynamic Learning Program and other ADMs.
Malacañang previously suspended classes in several regions until Nov. 11 due to Uwan.
-jpv
