Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Friday that it has begun processing PHP19.14 million as an initial disbursement of recovery funds to facilitate swift learning continuity in the wake of significant disruptions caused by the southwest monsoon, intensified by tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DepEd's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) has developed a disaster recovery framework that includes funds for cleanup, clearing operations, and minor repairs. This initiative aims to address the needs of 1,244 affected schools and restore 4,259 classrooms that suffered minor structural damage. Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the dual focus on ensuring physical safety and minimizing learning loss by quickly rehabilitating damaged infrastructure.

Assessments as of Friday indicate that the adverse weather conditions have affected eight regions across 73 DepEd divisions. Approximately 8.4 million learners and 365,308 DepEd personnel experienced disruptions in their educational activities due to the suspension of in-person classes across 12,477 public schools.

In addition to infrastructure repairs, 230 public schools are currently serving as evacuation centers, accommodating 6,840 families in 837 classrooms. Furthermore, 1,423 classrooms have sustained major damage, and 1,395 classrooms have been completely destroyed. Non-infrastructure losses include 16,981 learning materials, 11,151 school chairs, and 579 IT equipment units.

To maintain educational continuity, schools deemed unsafe or designated as evacuation sites have been authorized to implement alternative learning delivery methods. The DepEd, in collaboration with local government units and regional disaster management councils, continues to monitor weather developments, streamline resource allocation, and coordinate local school clearances.