MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) in Los Baños, Laguna, also sustained damage due to Typhoon Glenda (international name Rammasun), with repairs expected to last until January 2015.

PHSA Director Victor Emmanuel Nadera estimated the initial damage at P994,771.85 ($22,681.44)*, excluding labor cost and other damages:

• High voltage transmission lines (PHSA-BSP) – P388,950.00 ($8,862.73)
• Clubhouse – P146,331.10 ($3,337.00)
• Clubhouse equipment – P 154,650.00 ($3,526.70)
• National Arts Center Theater – P203,000.00 ($4,629.40)
• Vargas area – P101,840.75 ($2,322.47)

About P1 million ($22,805.02) from the PHSA’s budget was realigned for the repair of the school’s main structure, but Nadera said they have yet to finalize the total cost of repair and rehabilitation. (READ: To the social media savvy: Help report school damage)

“Sa ngayon ay wala pang malinaw na halaga ang kakailanganin para sa pangkalahatang rekonstruksiyon at rehabilitasyon ng mga nasira ngunit hindi ito bababa sa P5 million ($114,025.12),” Nadera said.

(Right now, we still have no clear estimate of how much will be needed for the overall reconstruction and rehabilitation, but the cost will not be lower than P5 million.)

After Typhoon Glenda made landfall in the Philippines from July 15 to July 17, classes in PHSA were suspended for more than two weeks from July 16 to August 1. (READ: #GlendaPH leaves almost 100 dead, P7.4B in damage)

The first of its kind in Asia, PHSA is a school that nurtures young people who are gifted and talented in the field of arts. 

It has produced a long line of renowned artists such as pianist Rowena Arrieta, filmmaker Raymond Red, singer Grace Nono, ballerina Candice Adea, and sculptor Leeroy New. 

How to help

As of August 6, the school is still running on two generator sets that were donated to the school, since PHSA’s electricity is connected to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) whose 27 electricity posts were also heavily damaged by Glenda.

By using the generators, though, Nadera said PHSA is spending P5,000 ($113.820) daily.

The school is also using 7 donated solar panels.

Nadera said the school will revive the National Arts Center Power Supply System project that was halted in 2012.

With the project, PHSA will soon have direct electricity connection, but it will take double the initial cost which Meralco in 2012 pegged at P2,248,137.09 ($51,158.31).

PHSA is already coordinating with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, PHSA’s advisory council and alumni association, parents, teachers, and staff council to raise funds for the project.

The school’s alumni is also planning to hold two fundraisers: a concert and an exhibition.

“The present power crisis has been greatly affecting the performances of both our employees and students who are in danger of losing their scholarships,” Nadera said.

For those interested to donate to PHSA, they can coordinate directly with the following:

• Precy Mondejar – 09175456653
• Beth Carbos – 09173294473

– Rappler.com

*(US$1 : P43.8860)