DepEd rushes to restore normalcy in 'Kristine'-damaged schools

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education has vowed to prioritize the swift restoration of school facilities and learning materials damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) to immediately bring affected students back to class.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 29, the department said it has developed a "comprehensive recovery plan" to address the storm's significant damage across affected areas and prevent further learning disruptions.

The department's plan includes replacing destroyed textbooks, learning tools and computer packages, and setting up temporary learning spaces where there is a lack of available classrooms. Additional self-learning modules will also be distributed, while regional and division offices will get additional funds for their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) to support these efforts.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara stressed the urgency of DepEd's rehabilitation efforts, noting: "Every day out of school is a lost opportunity to learn. That is why we are prioritizing rehabilitation to restore normalcy in the education system quickly."

Preliminary assessments estimate the storm inflicted P3.7 billion in infrastructure damage on school facilities, with P2.9 billion required for rebuilding and P737.5 million for major repairs.

Recognizing the storm's toll on educators and school personnel, DepEd is also ensuring "special emergency leaves" are available for teachers and non-teaching staff affected by Kristine. 

This type of leave provides up to five paid days for government personnel directly affected by a disaster, which can be taken consecutively or intermittently.  

"This leave allows our employees to focus on recovery—whether it's rebuilding their homes or supporting their families—so they can return to work ready to serve," Angara said.

The DepEd chief also thanked DepEd personnel and disaster risk reduction and management staff for acting fast to assist schools and communities affected by Kristine, which devastated the Bicol region and led to widespread flooding. 

"Even as classes and government offices were suspended for three days, many of our staff continued working from home to coordinate assistance. Saludo kami sa inyong dedikasyon," Angara said.  

Kristine led to the suspension of classes in nearly 38,400 schools, affecting over 19 million students and nearly 787,000 teaching and non-teaching staff.

Additionally, more than 1,100 schools are currently being used as evacuation centers, and hundreds more reported issues with flooding or landslides.

During the start of classes this year in July, at least 800 schools had to delay their school opening due to the destruction left by Typhoon Carina combined with the effects of the southwest monsoon.

Months before that, during the summer, several schools nationwide had to suspend in-person classes to shield students and teachers from the debilitating heat of the dry season.