DepEd Needs Over P5 Billion to Rebuild Storm-Damaged Schools
DEPED – More than P5 billion will be needed by DepEd to reconstruct 476 schools affected by the southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclones.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is facing a multibillion-peso reconstruction effort as hundreds of schools across the country continue to deal with damage caused by the southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclones.
According to the latest situation report released by DepEd, an estimated P5.072 billion is required to rebuild 476 schools that sustained damage from the severe weather disturbances. The amount covers the reconstruction of school facilities that were significantly affected by the storms.
Beyond reconstruction, DepEd also reported that substantial funding will be needed for major repairs. The agency’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service estimated that at least P1.013 billion is necessary to carry out major repairs in 624 schools.
Additional resources will also be required to address schools with less severe damage. DepEd said P277.34 million would be needed for minor repairs across 1,444 schools. Another P46.983 million has been earmarked for cleanup and clearing activities in 1,627 schools affected by the weather disturbances.
The impact has also extended beyond physical damage to school buildings. DepEd reported that 1,145 classrooms in 307 schools remain occupied as evacuation centers, currently providing temporary shelter to at least 9,798 families displaced by the storms.
Among the areas hosting evacuation centers are Central Luzon with 172, Calabarzon with 57, the Ilocos Region with 37, Metro Manila with 15, Eastern Visayas with 11, Mimaropa with eight, and the Cordillera Administrative Region with seven.
With weather conditions continuing to pose risks, DepEd emphasized the importance of maintaining preparedness and closely monitoring developments in affected areas.
“The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service maintains close coordination with field offices to track emerging impacts, validate class suspension data through the ‘Walang Pasok’ monitor and support timely clearing and repair of affected schools,” DepEd said.
The education agency also urged its field offices and school disaster risk reduction and management teams to remain operationally prepared. Officials were advised to continue monitoring conditions, particularly as localized flooding, landslides, and other weather-related disruptions could still occur.
The ongoing assessment highlights the considerable financial requirements involved in restoring storm-damaged schools and ensuring that learners can safely return to their classrooms.
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