The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that more than 312 schools, or about 1,800 classrooms, were damaged during the onslaught of Typhoon Uwan in Luzon.
In a situation report released on Monday, November 10, as of 12:00 noon, a total of 1,182 classrooms suffered minor damage, 366 were majorly damaged, and 261 were totally destroyed.
According to DepEd, the regions of Bicol, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have the highest number of reported damaged classrooms.
However, the agency also clarified that these numbers are still subject to validation, as additional reports continue to be received from regional and division offices.
For his part, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said that the agency is prioritizing the safety of students and personnel and ensuring learning continuity 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,” he said.
(Our teachers, parents, and students have been through so much because of Typhoons Uwan and Tino. We extend our sympathies to our fellow Filipinos and assure everyone that the DepEd stands with you in every step toward recovery and rebuilding hope in every classroom.)
To support immediate recovery efforts, Angara said the DepEd has allocated ₱20.2 million for cleanup and clearing operations and ₱57.9 million for minor repairs.
