AS the Department of Education (DepEd) detailed its continuing response to restore learning in the most affected areas, the agency on Monday reported that the estimated total cost of repair and reconstruction stood at P4 billion for a total of 1,140 schools that sustained damage from recent earthquakes across eight regions.
On Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on led national officials in Davao Oriental to assess the aftermath of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.
Based on the October 13, 12am report from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), a total of 1,140 schools sustained damage across eight regions, with 7,575 classrooms affected. Of these, 1,297 were totally damaged, 1,004 sustained major damage, and 5,274 suffered minor damage.
The hardest hit was Region XI (Davao Region), accounting for 764 damaged schools and over 5,350 totally damaged classrooms.
Marcos and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara joined the situation briefing in Tarragona, Davao Oriental, following their visit to Manay National High School, one of the severely affected schools.
The school faces an estimated P73.3 million worth of repairs and replacements for damaged classrooms and laboratories.
Angara assured the public that the Department is working closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for structural integrity assessments and with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for possible Quick Response Fund (QRF) replenishment.
‘We will work with [Public Works and Highways] Sec. Vince [Dizon] on the QRF and also on new classrooms. If we can build bigger ones – so it’s anticipatory – it’s like build back better,’ Angara said.
DepEd has activated alternative learning modes, including modular distance learning and Edukahon, to ensure that learning continues even in damaged schools.
Temporary learning spaces and tent classrooms are being deployed in coordination with local governments and partner agencies.
The Department is also coordinating the replacement of damaged learning materials and ICT equipment, as well as the provision of psychosocial support for affected teachers and students.
Meanwhile, 14,925 teaching and non-teaching personnel were affected, with 57 reported injuries, while 168,945 learners were affected, including 187 injured students.
To support personnel, DepEd has activated financial assistance mechanisms, including the P150,000 Provident Fund loan and the GSIS emergency loan, and allowed flexible work arrangements until buildings are declared safe.
DepEd also confirmed that structural engineers from the DPWH Central Office have been on the ground since October 11 to conduct building integrity tests, following instructions from Angara and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon during their initial inspection.