Senate chief pushes DepEd, LGUs to repair monsoon-damaged schools

MANILA — Senate President Win Gatchalian on Wednesday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units (LGUs) to prioritize the swift repair and replacement of classrooms destroyed by recent tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as the habagat.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure damage promptly as communities recover from natural disasters. He stressed that expedited repairs would help minimize disruptions to the academic calendar and ensure students can resume classes without prolonged delays.

The Senate President's appeal comes as the country continues to contend with seasonal weather challenges. The DepEd and LGUs have been tasked with coordinating relief and rehabilitation efforts, with particular focus on restoring educational facilities across affected regions.

The call reflects broader concerns about the impact of successive natural disasters on the education sector, where classroom damage has become an recurring challenge during the monsoon season. Officials have been urged to allocate sufficient resources and streamline procurement processes to expedite reconstruction efforts.