Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday said it will prioritize the immediate rehabilitation of schools affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) to ensure the resumption of learning. In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said there's a comprehensive recovery plan to prevent further learning delays, considering the class disruptions due to the weather disturbance. 'Every day out of school is a lost opportunity to learn. That is why we are prioritizing rehabilitation efforts to restore normalcy in the education system as quickly as possible,' he said. In particular, DepEd seeks to replace damaged textbooks, learning tools and equipment, and computer packages. It also aims to set up temporary learning spaces, reproduce additional self-learning modules, as well as utilize additional maintenance and other operating expenses for regional offices, division offices and schools. At least PHP3.7 billion worth of infrastructure damage was incurred, with around PHP2 .9 billion needed for reconstruction and PHP737.5 million for major repairs of schools. "Our goal is clear, to bring students back to school and back to learning as soon as possible," Angara said. Angara, meanwhile, assured that there are 'special emergency leaves' for Kristine-affected teachers and non-teaching staff. 'This leave allows our employees to focus on recovery, whether it's rebuilding their homes or supporting their families, so they can return to work ready to serve,' he said. To date, around 38,376 schools have suspended classes, affecting 19,473,624 learners and 786,726 teaching and non-teaching personnel. At least 1,127 schools are also used as evacuation centers, while 888 schools reported flooding or landslides. Source: Philippines News Agency