Manila: More than PHP135 million is required to address the cleanup and repair of schools impacted by the effects of Tropical Cyclone Maymay and the southwest monsoon, known locally as 'habagat', according to the Department of Education (DepEd) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS).

According to Philippines News Agency, the need for these funds arises after 722 schools across various regions suffered damage, with the Ilocos Region reporting the highest number of affected institutions. In terms of classroom damage, Ilocos was followed by Central Luzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Eastern Visayas, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Soccsksargen, and Cagayan Valley.

The DepEd DRRMS has initiated the processing of funds for clean-up and clearing operations (CUCO) and minor repairs (MR) to restore damaged classrooms and ensure the continuity of learning. Specifically, PHP20.418 million is necessary for clean-up and clearing operations, while PHP115.395 million is earmarked for minor repairs.

The DepEd-DRRMS emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and continuous learning of all students and staff. As of 8 a.m., their supplemental report indicated that at least 751 classrooms were heavily damaged, with 818 classrooms sustaining extensive damage and 2,355 classrooms incurring minimal damage.

The suspension of in-person classes has affected 6,517,252 learners in 10,029 public schools across eight regions. Central Luzon recorded the highest number of school suspensions at 3,546, followed by Ilocos with 2,428 schools, CAR with 1,842, Metro Manila with 827, Calabarzon with 623, Mimaropa with 608, Cagayan Valley with 92, and Western Visayas with 63. Overall, 288,967 teaching and non-teaching personnel within DepEd are also impacted.