NEARLY 4,000 classrooms nationwide were damaged by the combined effects of Tropical Cyclone Maymay and the southwest monsoon or Habagat, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Based on DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service situation report issued Monday morning, 722 schools in various parts of the country were affected by the weather disturbances.

Of the 3,924 damaged classrooms, 751 were completely destroyed, 818 sustained severe damage, while 2,355 incurred minor damage, the agency reported.

The severe weather also forced 52 schools to serve as evacuation centers, with 239 classrooms currently being used to accommodate 1,057 families displaced by the weather-related incidents.

DepEd said the disruptions have affected more than 6.5 million learners and nearly 289,000 personnel in 10,029 public schools covering 61 schools divisions across eight regions.

Central Luzon recorded the largest number of schools where face-to-face classes were suspended, with 3,546 schools affected.

Aside from classroom damage, the department reported losses involving 5,368 chairs, 380 information and communications technology equipment units, and 6,227 learning materials, further affecting the delivery of education in the impacted communities.

To support recovery efforts, DepEd’s disaster management unit has begun processing funds for cleanup, clearing and repair activities.

The agency has set aside P20.418 million for cleanup and clearing operations in the 722 affected schools, while another P115.395 million has been earmarked for minor repairs involving 2,355 classrooms.

DepEd said it would continue coordinating rehabilitation and recovery measures while prioritizing the safety of learners and school personnel and ensuring that learning activities can resume as conditions permit.