MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that at least 312 public schools sustained infrastructure damage in the wake of Super Typhoon Uwan, with Bicol and CALABARZON among the hardest-hit regions.

According to the November 10 situation report from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), 1,182 classrooms were partially damaged, 366 were heavily damaged, and 261 were completely destroyed. The department noted that data verification is ongoing as additional reports continue to come in from regional and division offices.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara assured affected communities that the department is prioritizing the protection of students, teachers, and school personnel, as well as the continuity of learning once it is deemed safe to resume classes.

“Mabigat ang pinagdadaanan ng ating mga guro, magulang, at mag-aaral sa nagdaang Bagyong Uwan at Tino. Nakikiramay tayo sa ating mga kababayan at tinitiyak namin sa DepEd na kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang ng pagbangon at muling pagbuo ng pag-asa sa bawat silid-aralan,” Angara said.

DepEd said the highest number of damaged classrooms were recorded in Bicol, CALABARZON, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The agency also reported that 5,572 classrooms across 1,072 schools in 11 regions are currently being used as evacuation centers for displaced families. Coordination with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) is ongoing to facilitate relief efforts and assessments.

To address immediate rehabilitation needs, the DepEd has allocated ₱20.2 million for clearing operations and ₱57.9 million for minor repairs.

Angara added that the department is also implementing Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) in schools temporarily closed due to recent typhoons and other calamities. Funds have been distributed to regional offices to produce learning packets and lesson guides under the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) and other ADM modalities.

DepEd assured the public that the safety and welfare of students and teachers remain its top priority as the full extent of the damage continues to be verified.