Manila, June 9 -- More than PHP3.5 billion in Quick Response Fund (QRF) will be utilized to ensure immediate response and long-term recovery for earthquake-hit schools in Mindanao, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Tuesday.

The QRF will also be utilized for structural reconstruction or replacement of damaged school buildings and facilities, subject to validation of affected schools.

This is in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure a whole-of-government coordination for immediate response and recovery of affected Filipinos following the magnitude 7.8 quake in parts of Mindanao.

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said he has already ordered a comprehensive disaster response to 267 sc...