CLASS SUSPENSION. Classes remain suspended in some parts of Ilocos Norte pending repair of roofings blown away by destructive winds of "Ompong". (Photo courtesy of DepEd Ilocos Norte)
LAOAG CITY -- While some Ilocos Norte schools heavily devastated by Typhoon Ompong have not resumed classes yet, the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) announced it has resumed classes Tuesday.
“Let not Ompong's aftermath deter us from quality education,” said MMSU President Dr. Shirley Agrupis as she urged faculty and staff, students and parents to be patient and make the most out of the current situation.
Ompong left the province with more than PHP3.2 billion damages in infrastructure and agriculture.
The university was not spared as Ompong’s fierce winds and heavy rainfall uprooted trees, blew off roofings of buildings and damaged the demonstration farms among others.
“While some of the university structures and properties were damaged, we will soon recover and rise again from this tragedy,” Agrupis assured as the university has already sought the help of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte and the city government of Batac to assist in the clearing operations and repair of buildings, classrooms, and facilities.
“We also requested the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) for the restoration of electricity in the university,” she added.
As of Tuesday, school officials confirmed the continuing suspension of classes in all levels in Pagudpud on September 18 to 19, public and private schools in Vintar and the Northwestern University of Laoag on Tuesday. (PNA)
