Classes suspended in 13 northern Cebu towns

Classes in all levels in 13 towns in northern Cebu that bore the full brunt of supertyphoon Yolanda’s fury will be suspended from Nov. 11 to 15.

Among the towns hardest hit were: Sogod, Borbon, Tabogon, Medellin, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Poro, Pilar, Tudela and San Francisco in the Camotes group of islands and Madridejos, Bantayan and Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island.

“This is to give them enough time to repair their classrooms damaged by Yolanda,” said Dr. Arden Monisit, Department of Education (DepEd) provincial superintendent.

He said schools in other towns will resume classes tomorrow.

However, repairs of classrooms in schools located at these typhoon-struck towns may take longer than expected.

In Medellin town, Mayor Ricardo Ramirez said the roof of all public elementary and secondary schools were blown away.

The roof of the Cebu Normal University’s Medellin Branch and a private school in Poblacion were also severely damaged.

“I don’t think classes in all levels can resume in a month’s time,” Ramirez said.

Monisit also said if classrooms were still being used as evacuation centers, then “we will resort to using tents for temporary classroom.”

He has not been apprised of the full extent of damage in schools because most school supervisors in northern Cebu could not be contacted.

“I will immediately forward information on the extent of damage to our Central Office so they can release funds for repairs,” the mayor said.

The Cebu provincial government will also help repair the classrooms, Ramirez said.

“The suspension of classes due to the Oct. 15 earthquake will have to be extended because of typhoon Yolanda. This will result in graduation rites being held at a later date,” Dr. Monisit said.

Saturday makeup classes will also be held to complete the required 205 school days.

Nongovernment organizations and the DepEd central office will give learning kits to affected students, Monisit told Cebu Daily News..