PBBM orders quick classroom repairs in typhoon-hit Albay

By Sally Atento – Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered the immediate repair of classrooms damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan in Albay, assuring residents that restoring access to education is a government priority.

“Public works will take note of this and see what we can do immediately,” Marcos said during his visit to Cararayan-Naga Elementary School (CNES) in Tiwi, one of the municipalities placed under Signal No. 4 during the typhoon.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara reported that Bicol was the hardest hit region, with 807 schools affected and 5,742 classrooms damaged, including 743 that were completely destroyed. Most damage occurred in Albay, followed by Masbate and Catanduanes.

“Two hundred thirty-seven [schools] in Albay were totally damaged, 229 in Masbate, and 190 in Catanduanes,” Angara said.

To address the impact, DepEd has downloaded P326 million to support repairs and restoration efforts in the region.

School principal Geraldine Pongan said the community appreciated the president’s swift action.

“On behalf of Cararayan-Naga Elementary School, we would like to thank President Bongbong Marcos and his staff for addressing the school’s needs,” Pongan said.

Albay Gov. Noel Rosal also expressed gratitude to the President for prioritizing the province, noting that Tiwi bore the brunt of the storm.

“It was very important because we were able to discuss other issues, especially power, agricultural damage, our schools, and housing,” Rosal said.

According to a report by DepEd Albay, all-weather learner kits were immediately provided to affected teachers and students, along with hygiene kits and emergency supplies and equipment. Classes in all affected schools have since resumed. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA5/Albay)