Super Typhoon Uwan leaves 184 classrooms damaged in Cordillera; Abra most affected

Baguio City, Philippines – The Department of Education–Cordillera (DepEd–CAR) reported significant damage to classrooms, affecting learning continuity in several areas of the region following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong).

An initial report from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) of DepEd–CAR showed that 123 classrooms in the region sustained minor damage, 45 classrooms suffered major damage, and 16 were totally destroyed.

Of the 123 classrooms with minor damage, 85 are in Abra, 25 in Apayao, eight in Kalinga, and five in Benguet

Abra also recorded the highest number of classrooms with major damage at 20, followed by Apayao with 13, Mountain Province with six, and Benguet and Kalinga with three each.

As for the 16 totally damaged classrooms, 15 are in Abra and one in Kalinga.

According to Project Development Officer II Evangeline P. Malag, these figures are still being verified, and additional reports may be submitted, especially from Kalinga, where communication lines remain unstable in some areas.

The typhoon also destroyed learning materials, chairs, and IT equipment, including computers and other school resources.

Some classrooms are currently being used as evacuation centers, providing temporary shelter for displaced residents.

DepEd–CAR Regional Director Estella L. Cariño said the total cost of damage is yet to be determined pending validation of reports.