1140 schools affected in 7.4 Mindanao quake—DRRMS

After the recent 7.4 earthquake in Mindanao, 1,140 schools across the eight regions of Mindanao were damaged, the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Services reported on October 13.

Of the affected education institutions, 1297 out of 7575 classrooms were said to have been totally destroyed, 1004 with major damages, and 5274 had minor damages; further reports estimated a P4 billion for reconstruction. 

Other than structural damages, DepEd also revealed that 14,925 teaching and non-teaching personnel and 168,945 students were affected, with 244 combined injuries reported.

In response to this, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. orders the immediate response of relevant government agencies on Monday, during his visit for a situation briefing in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.

“Hindi kami aalis dito, lahat ng [ahensya], hanggat lahat ng citizens na natamaaan ay [hindi pa] nakabalik sa more or less normal na buhay. We have to do this together with the local government,” Marcos said.

On the other hand, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara assures that the education sector is currently working with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the school facilities in the region.

“We will work with Sec. Vince [Dizon] sa QRF and also sa new classrooms. If we can build na mas malaking icoconstruct kaysa dun sa nasira, para anticipatory na rin, parang build back better,” the education secretary explained. 

Moreover, to alleviate the effects of the learning disruptions brought upon by the earthquake, DepEd has already implemented alternative delivery of instruction, with tent classrooms being built as a temporary hub for learning.

Structural engineers from DPWH Central Office have started their on-site inspection and investigation since October 11, the education department confirmed.