School in Albay damaged due to destruction of flood control project

A school in the town of Libon in Albay was damaged following the destruction of a flood control project due to heavy rains and winds.

According to a report on Stand for Truth on Tuesday, the damage in San Agustin Integrated School reached P700,000.

Three classrooms and a 100-meter perimeter fence were totally damaged, while 17 classrooms partially damaged.

Aside from the classrooms, several equipment such as printed modules, television set, chairs, tables, electric fans, reference books and computers were also damaged by the flood.

“Sobrang painful, not just bilang guro but also sa part ng mga bata at parents. Kasi hindi namin alam kung paano at saan kami magsisimula,” Robert Buiza, Jr., a teacher at San Agustin Integrated School, said.

According to the school’s officer-in-charge, the main reason why the school was damaged was because of the destruction of the flood control near the area.

“Nasira ‘yon kaya nasira ‘yong tubig. Rumaragasa ang tubig papunta sa paaralan, ‘yon ang naging cause kaya bumaha ang paaralan,” Juan Salcedo, Jr. said.

Aside from the school, several houses near the flood control project were also damaged by the raging flood.

Meanwhile, a structural engineer said the materials used for the flood control project were not appropriate.

“Mas appropriate after nitong nangyari ay gawin siyang mas matibay na retaining na ang klase ng disenyo at hindi na ‘yang simpleng rip rap na bakal na nilagay. Medyo mahina kasi ‘yan. Mahina ang pag-control ng tubig sa klase na ‘yan,” Engr. Juanito Cunanan said. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News