THE DEPARTMENT of Education on Friday said it has released more than PHP18 million in assistance to 222 affected schools following the combined effects of the tropical cyclones Crising, Dante and Emong, and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

In a statement, the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) said it has allocated PHP10.143 million for “minor classroom repairs” and PHP7.86 million for immediate cleaning and clearing operations in affected schools.

Initial assessment showed that 2,628 classrooms suffered minor damage worth PHP128.77 million; 726 classrooms incurred major damage amounting to PHP475 million; and 732 classrooms were totally destroyed, with estimated losses reaching PHP1.287 billion.

Additionally, 327 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities were affected.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, meanwhile, said alternative delivery modes (ADM) are being implemented in some evacuation centers to help displaced learners cope and recover.

These include basic learning sessions, which serve as psychological first aid (PFA) to affected learners, at the San Joaquin and Rosario Elementary Schools in Pasig, which are currently serving as an evacuation center.

“We know that it’s not easy to study while in an evacuation or being affected by the flooding, but it’s still more important that children have something to do),” Angara said in Filipino, commending the efforts of teachers and other volunteers in evacuation centers.

“Even if it’s just a simple activity, it’s still significant for their recovery,” he added.

The education chief, likewise, reiterated the importance of implementing ADMs for other learners in affected areas to ensure learning continuity despite the effects of disasters, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

As of Friday, 24,485 schools nationwide have suspended in-person classes due to heavy rains and widespread flooding.

Meanwhile, 453 public schools are currently being used as evacuation centers across Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Negros Island Region. (PNA)