FILE PHOTO: A car in Polangui, Albay remains submerged in floodwaters after Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) struck the province. Michael B. Jaucian
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) will need at least P3.6 billion to reconstruct and repair schools and other learning assets damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).
According to the agency, Kristine ruined approximately P3.7 billion worth of schools and other learning infrastructure.
DepEd said in a statement that the damaged properties would need P2.9 billion for reconstruction and P737.5 million for major repairs.
The agency’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System (DRRMS) also reported that 888 schools were flooded or affected by landslides, while 1,127 schools were used as evacuation centers during the onslaught of Kristine, which wreaked havoc in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
A total of 38,376 schools nationwide were likewise forced to suspend classes because of the severe weather disturbance, according to DepEd’s DRRMS in a situational report released Monday.
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Education Secretary Sonny Angara said a comprehensive recovery plan is set in place to ensure that students can resume learning as soon as possible.
“DepEd eyes more rehabilitation and recovery response through replacement of damaged learning resources such as textbooks, learning tools, equipment, and computer packages, additional Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), and schools, reproduction of additional printed Self-Learning Modules (SLMs), and setting up of temporary learning spaces, among others,” Angara said in a statement Tuesday.
Angara emphasized that every day out of school is a lost opportunity for students to learn. He vowed to prioritize rehabilitation efforts to “restore normalcy in the education system.”
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“To help DepEd employees recover, the department is also ensuring that the special emergency leave from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is accessible,” the DepEd noted.
The emergency leave provides up to five paid days for government personnel directly affected by the disaster, which can be taken consecutively or intermittently, according to DepEd.
“This leave allows our employees to focus on recovery—whether it’s rebuilding their homes or supporting their families—so they can return to work ready to serve,” Angara explained.
Angara said the DepEd is collaborating closely with local communities, school officials, and regional offices to provide the necessary resources and support for students affected by Kristine.