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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd reports P1.08-B damage to schools in Masbate, fast-tracks Typhoon Opong repairs

DepEd reports P1.08-B damage to schools in Masbate, fast-tracks Typhoon Opong repairs

Most damaged classrooms expected to be fully restored by early 2026

Published Oct 20, 2025 03:37 pm
DepEd reported P1.08 billion worth of school damages in Masbate due to Typhoon Opong, with Secretary Sonny Angara saying that repair works are now nearing completion under the Marcos administration’s recovery efforts. (Photo from DepEd)
DepEd reported P1.08 billion worth of school damages in Masbate due to Typhoon Opong, with Secretary Sonny Angara saying that repair works are now nearing completion under the Marcos administration’s recovery efforts. (Photo from DepEd)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, October 20, reported that more than P1 billion worth of school facilities in Masbate were damaged by Typhoon Opong, even as rehabilitation works continue swiftly under the government’s recovery program.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said that of the 1,651 classrooms damaged by the typhoon—most of them in Masbate City—many are now under repair, with several schools already restored. DepEd estimates total infrastructure losses at P1.079 billion.
Schools among the hardest hit
During his inspection, Angara visited Masbate Comprehensive National High School and Nursery Elementary School, two of the most heavily affected campuses.
At Nursery Elementary School, repairs on damaged roofs, ceilings, and electrical wiring have been fully completed, while structural rehabilitation is 40 to 45 percent finished. Meanwhile, multi-story buildings at Masbate Comprehensive National High School are 30 to 90 percent complete.
“Ang kabilin-bilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa pagtulong sa mga naapektuhan ng kalamidad: hindi aalis ang tulong ng national government hangga’t hindi tuluyang nakakabangon ang ating mga kababayan (President Bongbong Marcos’ clear directive in helping those affected by calamities: the national government’s assistance will not cease until our fellow citizens have fully recovered),” Angara said, underscoring the administration’s commitment to rebuilding schools and ensuring learning continuity.
Funding and temporary classrooms
DepEd has released P14.4 million to the Schools Division Offices of Masbate and Masbate City for cleanup and minor repairs and has requested an additional P23.4 million to sustain ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
To prevent class disruptions, the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) has also procured 20 upgraded temporary learning spaces for students from schools still under construction.
Major rehabilitation works are expected to be completed between December 2025 and February 2026, while the replacement of totally damaged classrooms will be funded through the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) 2026 and Quick Response Fund (QRF) 2026.
Whole-of-government response
Angara’s visit formed part of a broader recovery initiative led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who earlier directed national agencies to provide full assistance to calamity-hit provinces.
“Sa utos ng Pangulo, agad nating sinimulan ang pagkukumpuni ng mga paaralan dito sa Masbate (On the President’s orders, we immediately began repairing schools here in Masbate),” Angara said. “Gusto nating matiyak na tuloy ang pag-aaral kahit tinamaan ng bagyo, at mas handa tayo sa mga darating pang sakuna (We want to ensure that learning continues even after the typhoon, and that we are better prepared for future disasters),” he added.
Angara was joined by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco in various relief and livelihood activities, including the distribution of seeds and aid to local farmers and tourism workers.
Masbate Governor Richard Kho welcomed Angara and assured continuous provincial support for the education sector’s recovery.
DepEd has also directed its regional offices in Cebu and Davao to expedite school repairs following recent earthquakes, underscoring its commitment to strengthening disaster resilience across public schools nationwide. 

Related Tags

DepEd Typhoon Opong school repair DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara education recovery classroom damage disaster response
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