ILOILO – The Department of Education (DepEd) is racing against time to restore learning continuity as Typhoon “Tino” (international name: Kalmaegi) left a trail of destruction that crippled schools and displaced thousands of learners across Western Visayas.
Initial damage assessments revealed that at least 15 classrooms were totally destroyed, seven sustained major structural damage, and 20 others suffered minor damage.
“As it stands, we have identified 20 classrooms with minor damages that can be quickly remedied, seven that have sustained major structural damage, and a staggering 15 classrooms that have been rendered totally unusable,” said DepEd-6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr.
Roxas City emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas, with schools reporting collapsed walls, roof damage, and the loss of essential teaching resources.
Beyond physical structures, the typhoon also wrecked learning facilities, including one water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facility, 275 learning materials, and four ICT equipment critical for modern teaching.
Escullar said school administrators are authorized to use their miscellaneous and operating expenses to repair minor damages, while those with major destruction can seek additional funds from their division offices.
“These requests for additional funding and support are subject to a vetting process, as they rely on the initial information provided by our school heads and still require thorough evaluations carried out by our dedicated coordinators in the field,” he added.
To minimize learning disruption, DepEd has allowed schools to adopt multi-shift classes or use undamaged classrooms temporarily.
“We are committed to making sure that education continues despite these challenges,” Escullar assured.
DepEd officer-in-charge regional director Cristito Eco convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday with division heads and disaster risk reduction focal persons to map out recovery strategies and prioritize student safety.
As part of precautionary measures, seven municipalities – Tobias, Hamtic, Anini-y, and San Jose in Antique, and Panitan, Mambusao, and Sigma in Capiz – suspended face-to-face classes, affecting 218 schools and nearly 57,000 learners.
Despite the setbacks, DepEd vowed to restore normal operations at the soonest possible time.
“Our goal is not just to rebuild classrooms but to rebuild hope,” Escullar said, emphasizing the agency’s focus on resilience and community solidarity in the recovery process.
Education officials said ongoing assessments will guide resource allocation and long-term rebuilding, ensuring that every learner in Western Visayas can safely return to class in the wake of Typhoon Tino’s devastation./PN
