By CESAR JOLITO III
The Department of Education – Schools Division of Negros Occidental has reported P190.9 million in total damage and losses following the onslaught of Typhoon “Tino,” as rapid assessment teams wrapped up their initial evaluation this week.
According to the Rapid Damage Assessment Report, as of November 13, the typhoon left 13 schools totally destroyed, accounting for P32.5 million in losses.
Another P66.5 million worth of classrooms were assessed to require major repairs, while P45.8 million more will be needed for minor rehabilitation across various campuses in the province.
Clearing operations, manpower deployment and immediate response activities have already reached P12.8 million, while the division needs P32.5 million to put up temporary learning spaces to ensure classes continue in heavily affected areas.
Casualties, injuries
The division also confirmed a rising casualty count within the education community.
Four students — all from the 5th District — died due to incidents related to the typhoon.
At least 757 students were reported injured.
Five students remain missing.
Among education personnel, three teaching and non-teaching staff were confirmed dead, four remain missing, and 10 others sustained injuries.
The number of displaced personnel has also climbed to 233.
In-person classes resume
Most public schools across Negros Occidental have fully resumed face-to-face classes following the disruptions caused by Typhoon “Tino,” the Negros Occidental Schools Division confirmed.
Division spokesperson Ian Arnold Arnaez said in-person classes are now back in all 19 municipalities and in Talisay City under the division’s supervision, covering 576 public schools.
However, he clarified that not all classrooms damaged by the typhoon are ready for use.
“Face-to-face classes have resumed, but some schools continue to implement alternative delivery modes [ADM] because repairs and clearing operations in affected classrooms are still ongoing,” Arnaez said.
Several municipalities reported that certain classrooms remain unsafe or unusable.
In Moises Padilla, the local government allowed the resumption of face-to-face instruction but issued an executive order exempting four schools where damage and debris have yet to be fully addressed.
A similar setup is in place in the towns of Hinigaran and San Enrique, where selected schools continue blended or modular learning while awaiting the completion of rehabilitation work.
School heads have been directed to continue their damage assessment reports while coordinating with local governments for immediate repair and cleanup assistance.
Arnaez said the division is consolidating all post-typhoon needs to facilitate faster intervention from the Department of Education and partner agencies.
Despite the setbacks, he noted that teachers and administrators have been quick to adjust to ensure learning continuity.
“Typhoon ‘Tino’ caused significant disturbance, but our schools have managed to reopen safely. Those still undergoing cleanup will return to full in-person classes as soon as facilities are cleared,” Arnaez added./CJ, WDJ