Nearly 200 classrooms destroyed in Mindanao earthquake

MANILA, Philippines – Nearly 200 classrooms were destroyed after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Tuesday, June 9, prompting the agency to allocate millions of pesos for school repairs and construction of makeshift classrooms. 

The earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani at 7:37 am on Monday, June 8, disrupting classes in many regions in the southern Philippines just as another school year opened.

The DepEd said the quake affected 267 public schools in 14 provinces across Soccsksargen, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region, and Caraga. 

Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato logged the highest number of affected schools.

From these schools, initial assessments showed that at least 1,391 classrooms were damaged, with the breakdown as follows:

• Destroyed – 199
• Major damage – 296
• Minor damage – 896

Education Secretary Sonny Angara ordered fund allocations for the following:

• P235 million to set up 130 fully equipped “learning continuity spaces,” or temporary classrooms, with emergency power and Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity
• P43.9 million for minor classroom repairs
• P7.7 million for cleanup and clearing operations

The DepEd also plans to use its P3-billion Quick Response Fund for the reconstruction or replacement of damaged school buildings and facilities.

Class suspensions

After the powerful earthquake, the DepEd ordered the suspension of classes in 8,208 schools on Monday. Nearly 10%, or 818 schools, resumed in-person classes on Tuesday.

Around 4 million learners were affected by the class suspensions, the education department previously reported.

Just last Thursday, June 4, the DepEd had issued revised guidelines on learning continuity in emergencies. 

Following the implementation of Level 4-Hinto or a full class suspension in severe-risk areas, the agency said it is preparing to shift to Level 3-Hinga, or executing check-ins and light distance learning.

According to the guidelines, academic demands are heavily reduced under Level 3, with teachers using check-in guides and parents or guardians receiving family kits for home-based support. Students will use learning packets and other simplified learning resources.

The agency said around P258.98 million will be allocated to print and deliver the learning packets to affected students.

It emphasized that “the safe return to face-to-face classes will strictly be determined on a school-by-school basis, and resumption will only be allowed once DepEd engineers, local coordinators, and structural experts officially inspect and clear the facilities.”

“Furthermore, DepEd has deployed registered guidance counselors to provide critical Psychological First Aid and mental health screenings to traumatized learners and staff,” it said. – Rappler.com