Classes resume in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered the resumption of classes in public elementary and high schools yesterday in the province of Albay.

Classes have been suspended here since Nov. 30 as super typhoon ‘Reming’ destroyed most of the school buildings in the province.

Dr. Epifanio Buela, Albay district superintendent, said that 3,877 school buildings were damaged, with the estimated cost of damage reaching P639 million.

"I have appealed to the teachers to exercise their initiative and discretion depending on the extent of the damage of the school buildings under their jurisdiction so classes can continue," said Buela.

The school superintendent also appealed to the local school board in the community to use any space is available like barangay chapels, halls or buildings as classrooms.

Buela said the repair of the school buildings is on stream as DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapuz had provided P61 million for the repair of the damaged classrooms.

The DepEd Division building is still flooded on the ground floor and the wooden floor of the second story, where Dr. Buela holds office, sags. All the records were wet and computers were soaked with rain water.

"We already have a budget of P30 million for the construction of a new DepEd Division building," Buela added.

Teachers have to schedule the classes to accommodate the students.

Marilyn Llamares, principal of Kilicao Elementary School in Daraga, said that of the 18 classrooms they have, nine were totally destroyed while the other nine where partially destroyed.

Elementary pupils here have to cross two makeshift bridges across the Kilicao River to attend classes. Most of them are staying at the Binitayan Evacuation Center just across the river.

"I wish the repair of the damaged school buildings will start soon so these children can concentrate and study," said Llamares.