Aurora Schools Resume Classes Despite Severe Damage from Super Typhoon Uwan

Students at Casiguran National High School in Aurora have returned to face-to-face lessons even as many classrooms remain severely damaged by the recent Super Typhoon Uwan. Strong winds continue to disrupt the learning environment, rattling loose galvanized iron sheets and making it difficult for students to focus. Student Andrei Valencia shared, "It's very hard to concentrate because during strong winds, the noise from the loose roofs distracts us." Another student, Shane Nazareth Canenimo, noted that teachers also face difficulties due to the limited number of usable classrooms, resulting in frequent room changes for students. "It's challenging for our teachers as students have to move from room to room. It's especially hard to see them struggling to manage the school," Canenimo added.

Teacher Yolanda Gata explained that faculty rooms have been repurposed as temporary classrooms to accommodate students displaced by damaged rooms. "Our students from two classes whose rooms were damaged are now holding classes in faculty rooms, which were previously offices. Teachers are cramped but trying their best for the children to attend face-to-face classes," Gata said.

Several school facilities at Casiguran National High School suffered extensive damage, including the computer and science labs, Grade 7 classrooms, the School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (SDRRM) room, PTA office, clinic, guidance office, and the gymnasium roof. Gata expressed hope for quick repairs, saying, "We hope these will be fixed soon so the students can return to regular classes."

Meanwhile, Calantas Integrated School has adopted a shifting schedule due to the destruction of five out of ten classrooms, with kindergartners through Grade 4 attending morning sessions and Grades 5 to 9 in the afternoon. The remaining classrooms are barely usable as ceilings have collapsed. School head Rex Delos Santos emphasized the urgency to maintain classes for students who have already lost valuable learning time due to previous storms. "We can't keep postponing classes because of repeated typhoon interruptions. We hope the government can quickly provide assistance to expedite repairs and ease the learning process for the children," he stated.

During a recent visit to Aurora, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon directed the district engineering office to commence repairs on the damaged schools promptly. "We have a quick response fund pledged by the President, so let's start the restoration works. Thankfully, the damage isn't as extensive as what Catanduanes experienced," Dizon said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that Super Typhoon Uwan destroyed 10 school buildings and 33 classrooms across Aurora, with estimated damages amounting to ₱41.2 million.