DepEd: Repair cost for Karding-hit schools at P112-M so far

The estimated cost of repair of the damaged schools due to Typhoon Karding has reached P112 million, the Department of Education (DepEd) said in its initial assessment report.

Based on the preliminary assessment of the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), at least 20 schools sustained infrastructure damage due to Karding as of 12 p.m. of September 26, Monday.

These schools were located in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, National Capital Region (NCR), and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

DepEd said 12,174,549 students in 21,509 schools were all in all affected by the storm, including those affected by class suspensions.

There were also 107 school divisions affected in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, NCR, and CAR.

A total of 327 schools were also used as evacuation centers, of which 259 are still currently being utilized as such.

Based on the revised DepEd Order (DO) 37 signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, schools may be used as an immediate evacuation site during calamities but should not last for more than 15 days.

Local government units are likewise mandated not to use schools as long-term shelters for evacuees. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA News