Thousands of quake-hit classrooms seen as Mindanao gets clearer picture of damage

MANILA, Philippines – More destroyed classrooms were reported in Mindanao on Wednesday, June 10, as authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck two days ago.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara also inspected some public schools in General Santos City in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit off the coast of Sarangani on Monday, June 8.

In an 8 am situation report on Wednesday, the Department of Education (DepEd) said at least 1,022 schools have sustained varying degrees of damage across the worst-hit Soccsksargen, as well as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region, and Caraga.

From these schools, the DepEd reported that 1,462 classrooms were destroyed, 1,442 suffered major damage, and 4,398 had minor damage.

The agency would have to set aside at least P30 million for cleanup and clearing operations, while at least P215 million is needed for minor repairs, according to its latest situation report. 

The DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service is already facilitating the release of an initial P21 million in response funds for 104 affected schools. 

Meanwhile, classes in 4,364 schools are still suspended, while over 4,700 schools resumed in-person learning on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, June 9, the DepEd said it is preparing to shift affected schools to Level 3-Hinga under its new Learning Continuity Framework, where the academic workload is significantly reduced but teachers implement check-ins for the welfare of students and light distance learning can begin. – Rappler.com