Navotas: Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday pledged immediate support for schools affected by recent storms and monsoon rains. After his visit to damaged schools in Navotas and Malabon, Angara said the Department of Education (DepEd) is prioritizing the safety and welfare of learners and educators amid class disruptions caused by tropical cyclones Emong, Dante, and Crising, and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Angara stated, "We will not abandon our schools, teachers, and students during calamities. We will do everything to help them recover quickly and continue providing education." He noted that the DepEd's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) has released funds to immediately roll out cleaning and clearing operations in affected schools.

As of Wednesday, about 1,876 classrooms sustained minor damage; 562 sustained major damage; 531 were destroyed; and 232 classrooms have damaged hygiene facilities, according to the DepEd. To address infrastructure damage, DepEd is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways to utilize Quick Response Funds for the rehabilitation and recovery of affected schools, as well as the National Indemnity Insurance Program, a comprehensive insurance protection for public schools against fire, lightning, and other natural calamities, in partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Bureau of the Treasury.

For disaster-related injuries or fatalities, teaching and non-teaching personnel may file claims for PHP100,000 worth of accidental death or dismemberment coverage and reimbursements of up to PHP30,000 for accident-related treatment under the GSIS-issued Group Personal Accident Insurance policy. The DepEd also assured assistance for teachers and other DepEd staff who will avail of the agency's provident fund loan in areas under a state of calamity and a 30-day calamity leave.