DepEd moves to repair schools damaged by typhoons

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is starting to repair public schools in Bicol damaged by typhoons “Dante” and “Emong” in time for the opening of classes on June 1.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said they would speed up the repair of hundreds of damaged schools in Bicol to ensure that classrooms will be ready when classes start in June.

“We need to act fast to make sure our school children have classrooms when they return to school in June,” Lapus stressed.

Lapus said that fortunately they have a ready P1-billion disaster quick response fund for 2009 that they can tap for school building and classroom repairs.

“Our Quick Response Fund will allow us to do just that,” Lapus said.

Typhoon Dante caused an estimated P77 million in damages in the Bicol region, affecting 172 elementary and 36 high schools in Legaspi City, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate and Ligao City.

The DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office said in its Rapid Disaster Assessment Report (RADAR) that the schools’ roofs, doors, ceilings and walls were badly damaged.

Meanwhile, the DepEd said that they are now assessing the damage wrought by typhoon Emong.

The DepEd also announced that Brigada Eskwela would start this May 18 and could help in the restoration and repair of damaged schools.

Brigada Eskwela is a yearly, week-long DepEd school maintenance program that lets communities participate in beautifying their own schools in preparation for the opening of classes.