Tucdao National High School in Kawayan, Biliran was severely affected after Typhoon Opong hit. Days after the typhoon, face-to-face classes have still not resumed due to the destruction of classrooms and debris from the flooding.
The water reached the school after the river behind it overflowed. It did not pass through the flood control and entered the compound directly. As a result, many school supplies and teachers' equipment were washed away. According to teacher Edsel Pateo, the damage left by Typhoon Opong was more severe than that caused by Typhoon Urduja in 2017.
Teachers and parents are now working hard to clean up the thick mud and collect usable items. The school has also tried modular classes to allow students to continue their studies while the classrooms are not yet repaired.
Teachers, students, and parents of the said school are appealing for help. According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Biliran, 62 classrooms were damaged throughout the province. Four people were also reported dead due to heavy rains and flooding.
A State of Calamity has been declared in Biliran to expedite the provision of aid to the towns and barangays affected. The damage caused by Typhoon Opong requires immediate response and support for residents and students.
