The Department of Education (DepEd) needs over P1 billion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools that were damaged during the Abra quake.
Based on the latest update issued by the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) as of July 30, a total of 9,903 schools have been affected from seven regions in Luzon.
In the report, DepEd DRMMS noted that about 263 schools were damaged wherein 706 classrooms were partially damaged while 451 classrooms were completely damaged by the tremor.
DepEd data showed that Region I (Ilocos Region) recorded the highest number of affected schools with 2,860, followed by Region II (Cagayan Valley) with 2,506, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with 1,839 affected schools.
Given this, DepEd noted the cost of repairing and rebuilding classrooms and other infrastructure damaged by the earthquake is estimated at P1.48 billion.
Currently, DepEd said that 25 schools are being used as Evacuation Centers in the affected areas.
DepEd, through DRRMS, also continues to coordinate with field coordinators and other related agencies for continuous updates and to provide assistance to affected students, teachers, and staff.