DepEd moving to resume classes ASAP in storm areas

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has rolled out quick-response efforts to ensure that millions of learners could return to schools as soon as possible following the class disruptions caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency is eyeing the quick replacement of damaged textbooks, computers, equipment and other learning tools by disbursing more maintenance and other operating expenses for its schools, regional and division offices.

Angara added that the DepEd is also trying to reproduce more printed self-learning modules and setting up temporary learning spaces for affected students and teachers.

“Every day out of school is a lost opportunity to learn. That is why we are prioritizing rehabilitation efforts to restore normalcy in the education system as quickly as possible,” he said.

The DepEd said that as of Monday, classes in over 38,000 schools remained suspended, with nearly 900 schools damaged by floods or landslides and 1,127 schools being used as evacuation centers.

The number represents 1,186 wrecked classrooms needing reconstruction and 1,475 classrooms needing major repairs.

The damage to school infrastructure and resources has risen to P3.7 billion, with P2.9 billion needed for reconstruction and P737.5 million for major repairs.

Apart from these, 486,674 pieces of textbooks and learning resources; 2,151 computer equipment and 27,465 desks, chairs, appliances and other school furniture have been damaged.

Angara said that to help DepEd employees recover, they have been encouraged to use their special emergency leave, which provides up to five paid days, as authorized by the Civil Service Commission. — Rainier Allan Ronda