The Department of Education has provided temporary learning centers in typhoon-hit Biliran province as classes opened this week.
Twelve schools, including two that were totally destroyed, have been affected when Typhoon “Urduja” struck the province and several areas of eastern Visayas last month.
DepEd’s estimated damage cost on the 12 affected schools stood at more than P39 million.
Of this amount, P18.6 million would be needed for the construction of school buildings while almost P21 million would be allotted for classroom repairs.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the agency conducted Brigada Eskwela in Biliran on Dec. 27. Brigada Eskwela is the agency’s program that promotes volunteerism, preparing schools for the opening of classes. Volunteers work together in cleaning and repairing schools, painting, tree planting.
Briones said there is also a need for learning materials, equipment, and more teachers to provide better, quality education.
“DepEd is ready to build new schools as long as the local government unit would provide safe school sites,” Briones said.