By Michelle Ducut
Severe damage to school infrastructure across Albay has been reported following the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine. According to Froilan Tena, spokesperson for the Schools Division Office (SDO) in Albay, approximately 50 classrooms have been totally destroyed, with significant structural damage recorded in an additional 327 classrooms. Minor damages have been identified in 1,066 more classrooms, alongside 138 temporary learning spaces that were also affected.
Reports from 435 schools in Albay indicate that about 14, 433 armchairs and 425, 142 learning materials were damaged by the typhoon. Additionally, floodwaters caused damage to 1, 355 computers in various schools throughout the province.
The extensive damage has hindered the immediate resumption of face-to-face classes in several affected areas, posing a challenge for the education sector as it works to restore normalcy.
To aid affected students and teachers, the division office has launched relief operations aimed at providing assistance to those significantly impacted by the storm.