Adopt a school in Marawi, Briones urges partners

FILE: Education Secretary Leonor Briones (Photo By Leonor Magtolis Briones – Department of Education, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA – Now that the crisis in Marawi City is over and its residents are starting to bring back the normalcy in their lives, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones is encouraging partners to adopt a school in the war-torn city.

That means private companies, local government units (LGUs) can contact the DepEd to help rebuild schools that were destroyed during the conflict in Marawi.

It may be recalled that last May 23, the Maute Group brought violence to the city, killing innocent people, causing fears, burning houses and establishments, based on reports.

On Thursday, Briones said there were 29 schools that were completely destroyed by the conflict, while 47 schools need repairs.

Briones called on partners, those who would like to help, to adopt a school.

She said, however, that DepEd would suggest the design, and would also be in charge of the costing aspect.

“Because we want our schools to be comparable,” she explained.

About PHP1.16 million up to PHP2 billion is needed to rebuild the totally damaged schools, said Briones.

The DepEd chief told reporters that there were those who have expressed their desire to adopt a school, but none of them made a commitment yet.

“We’re building temporary learning spaces,” she said as to how the education would continue while waiting for the damaged schools to be rebuilt and repaired.

Meanwhile, Briones reiterated that since the beginning of the Marawi crisis, DepEd has been taking care of the needs of students, noting that she has ordered to accommodate the displaced Marawi learners, with or without their documents.

“Because we do not want to delay education,” she emphasized.