In the aftermath of Typhoon Marce, known internationally as Yinxing, the Department of Education in the Cordillera Administrative Region reported significant damage to educational facilities. As of November 12, 2024, a total of 519 classrooms were affected, with 158 experiencing major damage and 361 suffering minor damage. The hardest hit areas include Abra, with 97 classrooms severely damaged and 192 with minor issues, and Apayao, reporting 24 classrooms with major damage and 116 with minor damage. Other affected areas include Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Tabuk City.
Cyrille Gaye Miranda, head of the DepEd-Cordillera Public Affairs Unit, noted that the data reflects a 74% submission rate from the region’s Schools Division Offices, covering 1,371 out of 1,844 schools. She emphasized that the figures are preliminary and that further reports are expected, with engineers tasked to validate the extent of the damage and estimate the costs for repairs.
For classrooms with minor damage, Miranda mentioned that the Quick Response Funds could be used to expedite repairs and make them usable again. However, for those with major damage, additional funding might be necessary to ensure the facilities are safe for students and teachers.
Community involvement has been crucial in past recovery efforts, with local residents and parents often participating in ‘binnadang’ or community help to repair damaged school facilities. Miranda expressed gratitude for the community’s willingness to assist, particularly in fixing minor damages to ensure students can return to a comfortable learning environment.
Given the current situation, the regional office plans to implement the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP), a strategy recommended by the national office for areas affected by calamities. Developed by the Central Visayas Institute Foundation, the DLP focuses on independent and resource-efficient learning through parallel classes, activity-based engagement, student portfolios, and a reduced homework policy to maintain educational continuity.