MANILA – As the start of the School Year (SY) 2023-2024 approaches, the Department of Education (DepEd) has disclosed that over 470 schools have sustained damage in the wake of recent typhoons.
Based on the impact of tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon enhanced by the southwest monsoon (habagat), DepEd’s report on Monday, Aug. 14, showed that a total of 479 schools across nine regions have been affected.
These damaged schools are distributed across regions including the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), National Capital Region (NCR), Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 8.
Additionally, DepEd reported that seven schools spanning five regions are presently serving as evacuation centers. These regions include CAR, Regions 1, 2, 3, and 6.
To address the infrastructure damage, DepEd has estimated the required funds for repairs, which may involve reconstruction and rehabilitation, to amount to P1.77 billion.
During the official launch of the 2023 Brigada Eskwela program on Aug. 7, DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa assured that the agency is vigilantly monitoring schools impacted by recent typhoons, particularly those reporting infrastructure damage.
Poa emphasized that “if necessary, temporary learning spaces would be established” to facilitate classes.
He also confirmed that the funds needed for cleanup operations have been allocated to the affected regions.
Furthermore, Poa said the DepEd Central Office is actively collaborating with its field offices to oversee the repair and rehabilitation of the affected schools.
Classes for SY 2023-2024 in public schools are scheduled to commence on Aug. 29, as announced by DepEd. (MB)