STSM Kristine affects 18.6M learners, PHP765M damage

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) affected around 18.6 million learners across 35,973 schools nationwide, according to the Department of Education.

The regions most impacted include Calabarzon with 3.18 million affected learners, followed by Central Luzon and Metro Manila with over two million each; damage to school infrastructure is now estimated at PHP765 million.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged national government agencies and local government units to prioritize the safety and welfare of children affected by the storm, emphasizing the importance of safe continuation of education amidst recovery efforts.

Gatchalian highlighted that 223 classrooms were totally destroyed, while flooding and landslides damaged 132 schools in several regions, particularly in Bicol where 90 schools were hit.

The senator also called for the signing into law of the Ligtas Pinoy (Safe Filipino) Centers Act to establish evacuation centers that do not use classrooms as sites, ensuring child-friendly spaces and facilities.