Earthquake-Stricken Mindanao Schools Require ₱245.819-Million for Immediate Repairs and Cleanup

The recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with Mindanao's educational infrastructure bearing the brunt of the disaster. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), a staggering ₱245.819 million is needed for immediate funding to repair and clean up quake-hit schools across the region.

As per DepEd Situation Report No. 7, the total requirement of ₱245.819 million is broken down into ₱215.698 million for minor repairs of damaged classrooms and ₱30.121 million for cleanup and clearing operations across affected school sites. This initial estimate covers the recovery costs for 1,022 public schools that have reported classroom and facility damage across 30 divisions in 19 provinces in Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and Caraga.

The severity of the damage is evident in the numbers, with a total of 4,622 classrooms affected, including 4,398 classified as minor damage, 1,442 major damaged classrooms, 1,462 totally damaged units, and 146 damaged water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. While the ₱215.7-million estimate covers only minor repairs, computed at a standard ₱49,000 per classroom, officials warn that the figure is expected to increase once major and totally damaged structures are fully assessed.

South Cotabato recorded the highest number of affected schools with 194, followed by North Cotabato (172), Sultan Kudarat (157), Sarangani (120), and Davao Occidental (101). The earthquake has also disrupted classes across the region, with 4,364 classes still suspended, while 4,726 classes have resumed, depending on the safety clearance of school facilities.

The DepEd's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service has released initial response funds totaling ₱21.902 million for urgent interventions in selected areas, even as validation and engineering assessments continue on the ground. As the situation unfolds, officials expect the overall cost of rehabilitation to rise as damage verification progresses, particularly for heavily affected schools still undergoing inspection.

The Philippines is no stranger to natural disasters, with earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions being a regular occurrence. In recent years, the country has made significant strides in disaster preparedness and response, but the sheer scale of the destruction caused by the recent earthquake underscores the need for increased investment in infrastructure and disaster risk reduction measures.

As the people of Mindanao struggle to come to terms with the aftermath of the earthquake, the Department of Education's efforts to restore the region's educational infrastructure are a testament to the country's resilience and determination. With the support of the government and the international community, it is hoped that the region's schools will be repaired and rebuilt, providing a safe and conducive learning environment for the affected students.

In the meantime, the DepEd's request for ₱245.819 million in funding is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. As the government works to allocate the necessary resources, it is essential that the international community lends its support to the relief efforts, providing the necessary aid and assistance to help the people of Mindanao recover from this devastating disaster.