Angara leads inspection of disaster-hit Davao Occidental schools for rehab

Education Secretary Sonny Angara led a high-level government inspection of schools in Davao Occidental that suffered extensive damage due to recent earthquakes and flash floods. Accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, the group evaluated the condition of educational infrastructure in the municipality of Jose Abad Santos. Their visit aimed to assess the scale of destruction and coordinate recovery efforts to ensure continuity in learning for affected students and teachers. The inspection took place amid ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the region, following a series of natural disasters. On June 8, 2026, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake centered in Maasim, Sarangani, caused widespread damage across Mindanao, including Davao Occidental. This was followed by flash floods and landslides in Jose Abad Santos on July 10 and 14, which were exacerbated by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and Typhoon Inday. A second earthquake, measuring 6.5, struck on July 14, further disrupting school operations and displacing residents in the area. At the Emeliano S. Fontanares Sr. National High School in Barangay Sugal, the initial earthquake left eight classrooms completely destroyed, six with major damage, and two with minor damage. Structural issues were also noted in the school's gymnasium and surrounding fences, with one teacher and ten students reportedly injured during the incident. Nearby, the Edna Guillermo Memorial National High School in Barangay Nuing faced even more severe consequences, with 31 classrooms entirely destroyed and three others suffering major damage. The school serves approximately 780 students, many of whom have been significantly affected by the disruption. The delegation also visited Butulan Elementary School, where seven classrooms were completely damaged and two sustained minor damage. The school had functioned as a temporary evacuation center during the recent disasters, adding to the complexity of its current state. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive rebuilding and support measures to ensure that students can return to a stable learning environment. In response to these challenges, the Department of Education (DepEd) has initiated immediate financial and logistical assistance for the affected schools. To date, the agency has allocated P3.51 million for critical on-the-ground activities, with P2.061 million designated for clean-up and clearing operations and P1.449 million earmarked for minor repairs. Additionally, Davao Occidental has been prioritized for the deployment of Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS), which aim to provide temporary educational facilities. Plans include constructing 77 LCS units across 23 locations within the province, targeting areas such as Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Malita, Santa Maria, and Sarangani. Psychological First Aid (PFA) sessions have already begun for affected students and staff at Edna Guillermo Memorial National High School, addressing the emotional impact of the disasters. The DepEd has pledged continued collaboration with local government units, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and health authorities to monitor progress and address emerging needs effectively. The government’s focus remains on restoring educational services as swiftly as possible, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expedite recovery efforts. Angara emphasized the importance of maintaining an organized, multi-agency approach to ensure that the education system returns to normalcy without delay. As assessments continue, the emphasis will remain on providing both physical infrastructure and psychological support to those affected by the recent calamities.