The Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol Region Office reported initial infrastructure damage of PHP900 million due to the onslaught of Typhoon Tisoy (Kammuri).

In an interview, DepEd Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad said 372 schools were “heavily affected” by the typhoon, of which 278 sustained infrastructure damage.

“Most of these schools are from the Divisions of Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Legazpi City, Masbate and Sorsogon City which were hard-hit by the storm,” he said.

Based on the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADAR) data, Sadsad said there were 240 totally damaged classrooms, 542 heavily damaged, and 1,047 slightly damaged.

Sadsad added that there is also a need to put up 289 Temporary Learning Spaces for learners in severely affected schools.

“The reported initial amount of PHP903,591,700 might still increase as the inspection and assessment of schools are still ongoing,” he added.

For the non-infrastructure damage, RADAR also presented a total of 5,933 school furniture, 24,923 learning materials, and 893 computer equipment affected.

A total of 1,549 classrooms were also utilized as evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, coordination with stakeholders, local government units, and non-government organization partners was initiated to assist and support the affected schools. (PNA)