Over 6.5M learners affected by class suspensions due to Maymay, Habagat

More than 6.5 million learners were affected by in-person class suspensions in eight regions amid the combined effects of Tropical Cyclone Maymay and the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

As of 8 a.m. on Monday, August 10, the Education Department recorded a total of 6,517,252 learners and 288,967 personnel covered by in-person class suspensions involving 10,029 public schools across 61 school divisions in eight regions.

The highest number of schools with suspended in-person classes was recorded in Central Luzon (Region III) with 3,546 schools, followed by the Ilocos Region (Region I) with 2,428 and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with 1,842.

The National Capital Region (NCR) had 827 affected schools, followed by Calabarzon (Region IV-A) with 623, Mimaropa (Region IV-B) with 608, Region II with 92, and Region VI with 63.

DepEd’s rapid damage assessment based on school requests showed 3,924 classrooms with reported damage.

Of these, 2,355 classrooms sustained minor damage, 818 sustained major damage, and 751 were totally damaged.

The department also reported damage to 5,368 chairs, 380 ICT equipment units, and 6,227 learning materials.

The DepEd said the combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Cyclone Maymay have also affected 722 schools that require cleanup and clearing operations.

For immediate response, the department is processing P20.418 million in Clean-Up and Clearing Operations (CUCO) funds for the 722 affected schools.

It is also processing P115.395 million for the minor repair of the 2,355 classrooms that sustained minor damage.

52 schools used as evacuation centers

Meanwhile, 52 schools are currently being used as evacuation centers, with 239 classrooms accommodating 1,057 families.

The largest number of schools being used as evacuation centers is in Calabarzon with 19 schools, followed by Central Luzon with 10, the Ilocos Region with 2, Eastern Visayas with 2, and Mimaropa with 1.

DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) said it continues to monitor areas in Luzon and the Visayas that may experience heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides.

The department said it has begun processing funds for classroom repairs and cleanup and clearing operations to support learning continuity.

DepEd also reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of learners and personnel while allowing learning to continue in affected areas. — RSJ, GMA News