P1.17 billion needed to repair Karding-damaged schools

MANILA, Philippines — An estimated P1.17 billion will be needed to repair the schools that were damaged due to Super Typhoon Karding, according to the Department of Education.

DepEd data released yesterday showed that 165 schools across Luzon were damaged by the typhoon while 386 classrooms were destroyed.

Up to 561 public schools were used as evacuation centers, 92 of which remained occupied.

DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said the estimated cost of repairs may still increase as assessment of the typhoon damage is ongoing.

Pending the repair of these schools, DepEd said it is coordinating with local government units for possible use of available spaces, such as covered courts and vacant buildings, to serve as temporary classrooms.

DepEd is also looking at setting up temporary learning spaces in typhoon-affected areas.

“We are looking to download funds to the regions so they can start setting up temporary learning spaces and other interventions,” he added.

Poa said students enrolled in schools affected by the typhoon have shifted to distance or blended learning to prevent disruption of classes.

Aside from makeup classes, teachers may adopt other options to help students catch up due to class suspensions, such as assigning projects.

Poa said DepEd supports plans to establish permanent evacuation centers to minimize disruption of classes.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte had earlier issued an order prohibiting the use of public schools as evacuation centers for more than 15 days.

Death toll climbs to 12

Meanwhile, the death toll due to the typhoon rose to 12 yesterday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said five fishermen from Mercedes, Camarines Norte and a resident of Patnanungan, Quezon remained missing.

Latest reports show that 52 persons were injured, mostly from Central Luzon.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said initial damage to infrastructure was placed at P135.09 million.

As of Wednesday, the DPWH said damage to roads was estimated at P34.71 million; bridges, P22.39 million, and flood-control structures, P77.99 million.

The DPWH said that five national road sections remained closed to traffic yesterday.

These are Kennon Road in Benguet, for safety reasons; Cabagan-Sta. Maria overflow bridge in Isabela, Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road Diteki River Detour Road and Baliwag Candaba-Sta. Ana Road in Pampanga due to flooding, and Hamtic-Bia-an-Egaña-Sibalom Road in Antique due to a collapsed steel bridge.

The Gapan Ft. Magsaysay Road in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija is passable only to light vehicles due to a fallen electric post.

The Candaba-Sana Miguel Road and Angeles-Porac-Floridablanca Dinalupihan Road in Pampanga have limited access due to flooding.

The Federation of Free Farmers called for the speedy distribution of income and production subsidies to help farmers and fishermen affected by the typhoon. – Michael Punongbayan, Jose Rodel Clapano, Ramon Efren Lazaro