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Philippines

The Philippines: Frank's damage registers at P.5 billion - DepEd

Pasig City (1 July) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that as of June 30, 2008, the estimated cost of damages in school buildings caused by Typhoon Frank has reached over P506M involving 971 schools.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus ordered the release of P30 million for the immediate construction of classrooms in Region 6, one of the hardest hit regions by Typhoon Frank.

Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) remains the hardest hit in terms of affected school buildings with some 377 damaged schools. The estimated cost of damage amounted to P257 million.

The National Capital Region suffered from damages worth almost P38 million arising from 21 affected schools. Also severely hit is Region 6 (Western Visayas) where damages to 149 schools are placed at over P34 million.

"We need to prioritize the areas hardest hit by the typhoon to promptly start rebuilding and resume classes as soon as possible," Lapus said.

A Calamity Information Center at the department's central office in Pasig City consolidates updates and damage reports from the regions affected by typhoon "Frank" for appropriate action. DepEd also continues its onsite assessment and validation of reported damages.

Earlier, Lapus ordered immediate rehabilitation work to lessen impact on the holding of classes. Repair and rehabilitation works should proceed promptly so as to minimize disruption in classes according to Lapus.

To begin immediate rehabilitation work, DepEd has sent a request to the National Disaster Coordinating Council through the Department of National Defense for the release of initial funding amounting to P300 million for the replacement/repair/ rehabilitation of classrooms affected by typhoon Frank.

DepEd continues to appeal to people who have the means to assist the people in the areas affected by the typhoon.

Some 139 schools in the affected regions are being used as evacuation centers by some 3, 329 families. (DepEd)