Yolanda-damaged schools to be relocated to safer sites

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) will relocate a number of public schools damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda last year to safer places.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the DepEd is waiting for the results of the “simulation studies” conducted by the Department of Science and Technology on the effects of possible storm surges similar to those triggered by Yolanda.

“In the next two weeks we will release the list of schools (in areas hit by Yolanda) that need to be relocated,” Luistro said, adding the transfer of the schools must be discussed with the concerned local government units.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson earlier said 832 school sites have been cleared for rebuilding.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has also completed the mapping of Yolanda-affected areas where the government would implement a 40-meter no-build zone.

Luistro said temporary classrooms will be built while the schools are being repaired or reconstructed.

A total of 4,599 classrooms in the Visayas and Palawan were totally destroyed while 13,021 others were partially damaged by Yolanda which struck Eastern Visayas on Nov. 8 last year.