Habagat damages over 3,000 classrooms in nine regions

Heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon or 'habagat' have damaged over 3,000 classrooms across nine regions, affecting 24,648 schools in the Philippines, according to the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday.

The hardest-hit areas include Western Visayas with 302 damaged classrooms in 42 schools, as well as other regions such as Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Metro Manila.

As a result of the damage, face-to-face classes have been suspended in several areas for up to four consecutive days, with 131 schools currently being used as evacuation centers.

DepEd's Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service (DRRMS) has recorded 1,794 classrooms with minor damage, 540 with major damage, and 531 totally damaged, along with 208 damaged hygiene facilities.

To address the situation, DepEd has directed field offices to activate contingency plans for potential flooding and landslides, secure learning materials, school records, and essential equipment, while initiating response funds for immediate cleaning and clearing operations.

DepEd remains vigilant in monitoring developments and coordinating efforts with national and regional disaster risk reduction management councils to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and school communities.