Panay Island suffered considerable damage from Typhoon Yolanda back in 2013 - especially in the Capiz and Iloilo provinces. Located in the path of the typhoon, many of the houses were completely destroyed and nearly all of the schools were affected.
Save the Children has been working with school communities and the Department of Education in rebuilding and refurbishing schools through its School Repair program. A year later, we've now finished refurbishing and improving 59 typhoon-resilient classrooms in 27 elementary schools and 40 daycare centres in both mainland and island communities in Panay.
New classrooms get students back on track with learning
Students and teachers at one of the schools in Capiz invited Save the Children for a short thank you and turn-over ceremony in appreciation of the 9 classrooms we had rebuilt at their school.
Even though classes had ended, many of the students came by to say hello and give their thanks. They are happy with the new blackboards and desks. Best of all is the library - they are still amazed as they never had one before.
"Our new library was our school's stock room before. We are all very excited to use the classrooms. We keep telling other kids in our barangay to transfer to our school because Save the Children built us 9 beautiful new classrooms!" adds Rodel, one of the students.
Save the Children helps thousands of Filipino children go to school because we know how much an education can change a child's life. Learn more about our work in education.