MANILA, Philippines – Damage to the country’s public schools by tropical storm “Ondoy” (international name Ketsana) has reached P73.870 million, according to the Department of Education.

As of 6 p.m., DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Rapid Disaster Assessment Report (RA.D.A.R) covered six regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions I, II, III, IV-A and IV-B.

Metro Manila was assessed the greatest damage with nearly P35 million worth of damages to 42 primary and secondary schools, up from just P16.8 million versus the DepEd’s original estimate early Monday.

DepEd continues to receive reports from other provinces for the latest reports on the disaster.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said in a statement that the agency is assessing if the suspension of classes on Tuesday would be extended.

Lapus said they will report on Tuesday morning if an extension of suspension of classes would be implemented.