Quake-hit schools need P341-M fund

ON VERGE OF COLLAPSE A classroom at Lawa National High School in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, sustained damage after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao on June 8, forcing authorities to conduct safety inspections of school buildings. —BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION-SOCCSKSARGEN

ILOILO CITY—The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that 1,501 public schools across 24 provinces in six regions sustained damage from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani on June 8, with initial repair and response needs estimated at P341.04 million.

In a report on Friday, DepEd said the affected schools are located in 37 school divisions across Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao region, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City), the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the Caraga region.

South Cotabato recorded the highest number of affected schools with 274, followed by North Cotabato with 235, Sarangani with 207, Sultan Kudarat with 166, and Davao Occidental with 116.

Rapid assessments showed 6,070 classrooms with minor damage, 1,963 with major damage, and 1,807 totally destroyed. Damage was also recorded in 229 water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

Soccsksargen logged the highest number of affected facilities at 7,416, followed by Davao region with 1,968.

DepEd said P43.61 million is needed for clearing and cleanup operations, while P297.43 million is required for minor repairs, bringing total immediate funding needs to P341.04 million.

The agency has released an initial P21.9 million to school divisions covering 104 affected schools, with additional funds being processed for cleanup, repairs, and learning continuity measures.

Class suspension

As of June 11, around 3,500 schools in Davao region and Soccsksargen remained under class suspension, while 5,590 had resumed classes. No classes were held on Friday in observance of Independence Day.

Several schools in Sarangani were also used as temporary shelters for displaced families, including facilities in Glan, Maitum, and Malapatan.

DepEd said joint inspections with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are ongoing, alongside psychosocial support and psychological first aid for affected learners and personnel.

The agency also launched Project Buliganay in Davao region to mobilize partners for rehabilitation efforts and restore safe learning environments in quake-hit areas.