In the wake of typhoon Odette, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured the public that immediate assistance will be given to damaged schools nationwide.
“I saw the extent of the damages,” said Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones who was at Negros Oriental when the typhoon made landfall.
“Each time there is a natural disaster, we make sure we immediately connect them to other agencies while the responsible agency undertakes the necessary assistance,” she added.
Briones said that the DepEd has been constantly coordinating with the Regional Offices (ROs) for the initial assessment and assistance needed by schools, teachers, and learners.
“There are many things that needs to be done, and we are practically working 24 hours a day,” Briones said.
“So, we are doing the monitoring very carefully and practically on a day-to-day basis,” she added.
Millions in damages
Citing data from the transmitted report of selected Schools Division Offices (SDOs), DepEd-Region VII Director Salustiano Jimenez reported an estimated P150-million worth of damages in Central Visayas schools.
It was also reported that some field offices were not able to provide an assessment due to weak internet connection.
Jimenez also pointed out that 52 classrooms from 12 schools were severely damaged while 41 schools were partially affected.
Initial report also noted that learning materials were also damaged.
During her visit in Valencia Central Elementary School and Pulangbato National High School in Valencia, Negros Oriental, Briones also checked the affected school buildings and facilities.
While there were damages, Briones pointed out the resiliency and sturdiness of the Gabaldon School Building in Dauin Central School as it was able to withstand the strong winds and gustiness of the typhoon, which put the province under Storm Signal Number 4.
Just like the Gabaldon building, Briones said that DepEd is “not in any way deterred by the natural calamity which has just occurred, and we always survive.”
“We stand up again, and I speak not only for Region VII, but all the other regions,” she added.