Over 1,600 schools nationwide have suffered damage due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and successive tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng and Obet, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported.
Based on DepEd’s latest Situation Report and Rapid Damage Assessment, a total of 1,630 schools were impacted by the recent disasters.
The agency recorded 5,666 classrooms with minor damage and 2,029 classrooms with major structural issues. An additional 2,034 classrooms were reported totally destroyed.
DepEd estimates that P6.4 billion is needed to cover cleanup operations, minor and major repairs, and the full reconstruction of destroyed educational facilities.
Beyond structural damage, school grounds were heavily utilized for disaster response. A total of 323 schools were converted into temporary evacuation centers, providing shelter to 10,257 affected families.
Region III posted the highest count of schools serving as temporary shelters with 188, followed by Region IV-A with 57 and Region I with 37.
DepEd stated that field assessments remain ongoing to fully gauge the scope of destruction, establish necessary rehabilitation plans and safely restore regular school operations as quickly as possible.