Education cannot wait: PH Red Cross helps repair 'Karding'-damaged schools
Recognizing the importance of learning continuity in the aftermath of disasters, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) helped in the repair of schools in Quezon that were damaged during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding.

“The education of our youth must not be allowed to wait because of any delay in the restoration of school facilities, especially in isolated areas in islands facing the Pacific Ocean,” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard J. Gordon in a statement issued Thursday, Oct. 6.
Gordon stressed that the education of the youth is the “highest priority” as he directed PRC’s disaster management staff to send materials for the restoration of Burdeos National High School which was badly damaged when “Karding” made landfall in Burdeos on Sept. 25.
Following the PRC assessment teams’ report on Burdeos, PRC disaster management staff and volunteers delivered 150 CGI sheets and 10 plain sheets to the school on Oct. 3, which the residents immediately installed.
The community provided shelter tools and labor as its counterpart.
Burdeos is one of the three municipalities comprising Polillo Island which is prone to bear the brunt of tropical cyclones.
The PRC assessment team reached Burdeos on Sept. 2 or three days after “Karding” made landfall.
The country’s foremost humanitarian organization continues to assess damage and needs in the town to provide relevant aid.
Meanwhile, Gordon reported that the school principal and other local stakeholders in Burdeos expressed appreciation for the PRC’s timely response.
Teacher Vanessa Avenilla also shared that the assistance and construction materials from PRC helped repair the damaged facilities resulting in more comfortable learning and teaching environment for students and teachers.
Burdeos National High School Principal Marnita Banderada also thanked the PRC on behalf of the teachers and students for initiating the repair of the school.
As of Sept. 29, the Department of Education (DepED) said there are 165 schools with infrastructure damages and 386 damaged classrooms which need P1.17 billion for repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
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