GOVPH

Engineers, DRRM focal persons from DepEd IV-A CALABARZON SDOs for SDO Quezon RDANA

 November 9-11, 2020 – In view of the recent typhoons that rampaged a number public schools in the province, DepEd Quezon conducted a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) in collaboration with engineers and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) focal persons from participating Schools Division Offices (SDOs) all over DepEd Region IV-A CALABARZON

With a singleness of purpose to gather data on damages in light of Typhoons Quinta and Rolly which have adversely affected a considerable quantity of SDO Quezon school buildings and facilities, the RDANA was conducted in the afflicted areas. It was made possible through the concerted efforts of different SDOs in the region, as immediate response to the call of DepEd Quezon’s top management to provide assistance, particularly to schools in the 3rd and 4th congressional districts.

A brief orientation program was held at Pagbilao Central Elementary School to discuss the purpose of the activity, as well as the strategies to be implemented by the group of validators. The opening prayer led by Mr. Arvin Repaso, Project Development Officer II/ Division DRRM coordinator, was followed by the opening remarks uttered by the Chief of School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD), Chief EPS Elizabeth M. De Villa. All participants were acknowledged by Engr. Gian Pardilla, Officer-in-Charge of the Education Facilities Section (EFS).

With much joy and appreciation for the overwhelming support of the Regional Office, in company with representatives from the said SDOs, Quezon OIC-SDS Dr. Elias A. Alicaya Jr. delivered his message to the conglomerate of evaluators. He could not thank enough these gracious people for their dedication to duty in spite of the inclement weather, not to take for granted the threat of COVID-19. He expressed how heart-rending were the situations in the typhoon-beset schools: classrooms dilapidated; floorings crumbled; roofs battered; equipment submerged in flood; and teaching-learning materials permanently wasted, to mention a few. Thus, this opportune time has offered great hope for the SDO Quezon schools as they restore what was left of such misfortune.

After PDO Repaso acquainted the team with the target locations per district municipality, Engr. Annabelle Pangan, EFD-AS Chief, delivered her message, which was eventually succeeded by the message of Dir. Ronilda Co, Director V- DRRM-in-charge. Ensuing the closing remarks of OIC-ASDS Gregorio A. Co Jr., the brigade promptly began its mission.

The team of validators was divided into fifteen (15) groups comprised of Division/Regional Engineers and DRR FPs enumerated as follows: Group 1—Region IV-A, Quezon, Sta. Rosa and Laguna; Group 2—Quezon and Calamba; Group 3—Region IV-A, Antipolo and Tanauan; Group 4—Region IV-A and Cavite; Group 5—Imus; Group 6—Region IV-A; Group 7—Region IV-A and Cabuyao; Group 8—Batangas Province; Group 9—Lipa and Lucena; Group 10—Region IV-A and Biñan; Group 11—Dasmariñas; Group 12—Region IV-A and Tayabas; Group 13—Bacoor and San Pablo; Group 14—Cavite City and General Trias; and Group 15—Rizal.

Schools which were heavily damaged by the recent typhoons include those in the municipalities of Buenavista, Catanauan, General Luna, Macalelon, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Pitogo, San Andres, San Francisco, San Narciso, Unisan, Gumaca, Perez, Tagkawayan, Quezon, Guinayangan, Lopez and Alabat.

According to the Division DRR unit in collaboration with the EFS, there were 426 schools that reported damages based on the Rapid Assessment and Damage Report (RADaR), as of November 16, 7 am. In terms of damages to classrooms, the following numbers have been recorded: Total Damage—73; Major Damage—85; and Minor Damage—260.

Additionally, 81 temporary learning spaces (TLSs) are needed to be rebuilt. Instructional materials which can no longer be used have mounted to up to 3,018, plus the 162 damaged furniture and 66 drenched computers. Besides one injured personnel, the SDO was relieved that there were zero reports on displaced, missing or deceased employees. Moreover, to temporarily provide shelter to the schools’ immediate community which was affected by the battering typhoons, 916 classrooms were reportedly used as evacuation areas. In estimates, there was about Php 198,850,000.00 total cost of classroom damages, inclusive of Php 160,600,000.00 totally damaged and Php 38,250,000.00 majorly damaged.

Despite the terrible experience, SDO Quezon is once again standing from these rubbles, which makes it easier because of helping hands. Indeed, the success of this validation activity is also highly attributed to the synergy of people in the central, regional and division offices, through the unfailing support of CO Engr. Annabelle Pangan, CALABARZON Engr. Nehru Sarmiento, RD Wilfredo Cabral, ARD Ruth Fuentes, RO Engr. Robert Perez, RO DRR-FP Wilbert Ulpindo, and other caring SDSs in the region.