MORE than 9,500 classrooms nationwide were damaged following the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) and recent tropical cyclones, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Based on the latest report, a total of 1,594 schools nationwide sustained minor to major damage, affecting 9,597 classrooms.

Central Luzon (Region III) bore the brunt of the impact, accounting for 41 percent of the total damaged classrooms nationwide. A total of 3,596 classrooms in 412 schools across the region sustained minor to major damage, affecting 126,584 learners.

Within the region, Pampanga reported the highest number of damaged classrooms at 1,689, followed by Bulacan with 933.

Meanwhile, 1,066 classrooms in 291 schools nationwide are currently being used as evacuation centers for 9,068 displaced families.

In Region III, 237 classrooms in 78 schools are temporarily sheltering 1,951 displaced families.

“Unang-una sa lahat, ang marching order ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ay siguraduhing ligtas ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro, habang binabawasan natin ang abala sa kanilang pag-aaral,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

“Kaya agad tayong nagbaba ng suporta sa ating mga paaralan—mula sa paglilinis hanggang sa pagpapalit ng mga nasirang modules. Hindi natin hahayaang matigil ang edukasyon ng kabataan dahil lang sa hagupit ng bagyo,” he added.

To address immediate operational needs, DepEd identified an initial funding requirement of P318.01 million for minor repairs and cleanup costs in the 1,594 affected schools nationwide.

For Central Luzon, DepEd reported a funding requirement of P109.71 million for immediate response interventions in 412 requesting schools. This includes P12.69 million for debris cleanup and sanitation and P97.02 million for minor repairs to 1,980 classrooms in the affected schools.