Over 300 schools damaged by 'Uwan'

MANILA, Philippines — At least 312 public schools have been damaged so far by Typhoon Uwan, with Bicol and CALABARZON among the hardest hit, according to the Department of Education's latest update. 

A situation report from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service as of noon on Monday, November 10, recorded 1,182 classrooms partially damaged, 366 heavily damaged and 261 totally destroyed. The department said it continues to verify reports from regional and division offices.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara assured affected communities that the agency’s immediate priority is the safety and protection of students, teachers and school staff, alongside the continuity of learning once weather conditions are no longer dangerous. 

“Our teachers, parents and learners are going through difficult times after Typhoons Uwan and Tino. We extend our sympathies to all affected communities, and we in the DepEd assure you that we are with you every step of the way as we rebuild and restore hope in every classroom,” Angara said.

DepEd said the Bicol Region, CALABARZON and the Cordillera Administrative Region reported the most damage to classrooms. 

Bicol was among the regions hardest hit by Uwan, which in recent days unleashed fierce winds and heavy rain that knocked out power in at least 74 cities and municipalities in the region. Thousands have also had to be evacuated due to the massive flooding.  

At least 5,572 classrooms in 1,072 schools across 11 regions are currently serving as evacuation centers for displaced families.  

The department said it has set aside P20.2 million for clearing and cleanup operations and P57.9 million for minor repairs. 

Existing shortage. This widespread damage of public schools from Uwan compounds the country’s current classroom shortage, now estimated at more than 140,000 nationwide. 

The Department of Public Works and Highways has had exclusive control of school construction since 2018 — a rule that, Angara has said, slowed down projects and excluded local governments and private partners that could have built schools faster and cheaper. 

A Senate hearing in August showed that DPWH-led school projects take up to three years to finish and cost as much as P3.8 million per classroom.