MANILA, Philippines – Out of the 35 state universities and colleges (SUCs) affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last November 2013, a total of 7 SUCs are still awaiting financial support for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Patricia Licuanan disclosed this on Thursday, September 11, during the Senate hearing on CHED’s proposed P3.56-billion ($81.07 million)* budget for 2015. 

The remaining 7 SUCs are:

1. Marinduque State College 
2. Catanduanes State University 
3. Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology
4. Central Bicol State University of Agriculture
5. Partido State University
6. Sorsogon State College
7. Leyte Normal University

“There are only 7 left, but they have already been endorsed to DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways]. DPWH will validate the estimates of the SUCs. That’s ongoing,” Licuanan explained.

A total of P826.5 million ($18.82 million) has already been released to the other 28 SUCs.

CHED initially identified a total of 40 higher education institutions in at least 3 regions that were damaged by Yolanda – the strongest typhoon to make landfall in recent history. (READ: 40 universities, colleges damaged by Yolanda)

In the 2014 General Appropriations Act, the rehabilitation and reconstruction program allocated P3 billion ($68.32 million) to SUCs for the repair of academic buildings and the purchase of equipment.

As for the other natural and man-made calamities such as Typhoon Pablo (Bopha), Typhoon Odette (Usagi), and the Zamboanga siege, a total of 30 SUCs also need financial support for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Of this, P160.7 million ($3.66 million) has already been released to 7 SUCs, and the remaining 23 SUCs have already been endorsed to the DPWH for validation. – Rappler.com

*US$1 : P43.91