Masbate: The Department of Education (DepEd) has released PHP14.4 million for minor repairs and cleanup of schools in Masbate damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, the agency announced Monday. The funds were downloaded to the Schools Division Offices of Masbate and Masbate City as part of ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara personally inspected the repair progress at Masbate Comprehensive National High School and Nursery Elementary School, two weeks after an earlier visit with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 1. Repairs are ongoing for schools that sustained an estimated PHP1.079 billion in classroom damage, mostly in Masbate City.

By order of the President, the repair efforts commenced immediately, as Secretary Angara stated, emphasizing the importance of ensuring uninterrupted learning despite the typhoon’s impact and better preparedness for future calamities. To sustain rehabilitation efforts, DepEd has requested an additional PHP23.4 million budget.

The agency reported 100 percent completion of minor repairs on damaged roofs, ceilings, and electrical wiring, and about 40-45 percent completion of major repairs at Nursery Elementary School. At Masbate Comprehensive National High School, restoration of multi-storey buildings and other structures is between 30 percent and 90 percent complete.

Funds for totally damaged classrooms will be included in the 2026 Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) and Quick Response Fund (QRF). DepEd has also allocated 20 upgraded temporary learning spaces under its ongoing emergency procurement to accommodate affected learners.

Overall, the agency is repairing 1,651 damaged classrooms, with major restoration works expected to be completed between December and February next year.