DepEd: 312 schools in Bicol, CALABARZON, CAR damaged by Uwan

The Department of Education (DepEd) reported Monday that at least 312 public schools in the Bicol, CALABARZON and Cordillera regions were heavily damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan.

According to the Situation Report from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) as of 12:00 noon, November 10, a total of 1,182 classrooms suffered minor damage, 366 were majorly damaged, and 261were totally destroyed. DepEd said these figures remain subject to validation as additional reports continue to arrive from regional and division offices.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara assured affected communities that DepED remains focused on the immediate protection of students, teachers, and school personnel, as well as on ensuring the continuity of learning once conditions allow.

“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,” Angara said.

(Our teachers, parents, and students have gone through severe hardship because of Typhoons Uwan and Tino. We extend our deepest sympathy to our fellow Filipinos and assure everyone that DepEd stands with you in every step of recovery and in rebuilding hope in every classroom.)

DepEd identified Bicol, CALABARZON, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) as having the highest number of damaged classrooms due to Uwan’s impact.

The department also reported that 5,572 classrooms in 1,072 schools across 11 regions are currently serving as evacuation centers, temporarily accommodating displaced families. DepEd said it continues to coordinate closely with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) for rapid assessment, relief, and recovery efforts.

To address urgent recovery needs, the Education Dept. has allocated P20.2 million for clean-up and clearing operations and P57.9 million for minor repairs in affected schools.

Angara also highlighted that the department is prioritizing the implementation of Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) in schools that remain closed due to recent typhoons and other calamities. Funds have been released to regional offices to produce learning packets and lesson guides under the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) and other ADM modalities. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News