Nearly 3,000 schools damaged, almost 1 million learners affected by Super Typhoon Uwan — DepEd

THE Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed massive disruptions to education in northern and central Luzon following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan, which caused widespread damage to schools and displaced hundreds of thousands of learners and teachers.

Based on its latest situation report, DepEd said 913,777 learners and 46,877 personnel were affected across 2,979 public schools in 18 school divisions and five regions—including the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and parts of Regions I, II, and III, where class suspensions remain in effect.

DepEd reported that 4,747 classrooms in 968 schools are currently being used as evacuation centers for displaced families.

A total of 2,953 schools sustained varying degrees of damage, including 10,400 classrooms with minor damage, 3,503 with major damage, and 1,968 that were totally destroyed.

The total estimated cost for clean-up and clearing operations (CUCO) is P151.5 million, while P509.6 million is needed for minor repairs.

DepEd has mobilized its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) teams in field offices to conduct rapid damage and needs assessments.

The Department said it continues to coordinate with the Education Cluster and local government units (LGUs) for resource mobilization.

DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) has instructed regional and division offices to utilize unobligated Disaster Response Program (DRP) funds for immediate response interventions.

DepEd has also requested P100 million for clean-up, clearing, and minor repair activities and is coordinating with the World Bank to explore funding options for the repair and reconstruction of damaged classrooms.

DepEd identified several immediate needs, including repair and reconstruction of damaged classrooms; provision of Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) and teaching and learning materials; access to emergency connectivity and solar generators; psychological first aid for affected learners and personnel; and and financial assistance for affected education workers.

DepEd said it also urged LGUs to restore power, water, and internet connectivity in affected areas to ensure the continuity of education services.

“Moving forward, DepEd will continue validating damage reports and mobilizing approximately P661.1 million for CUCO and minor repair works,” the agency said.

DepEd added that it will “sustain coordination with partners to restore normal educational operations, strengthen school-based preparedness, and enhance infrastructure resilience to ensure the safety and well-being of all learners and personnel.”