Manila, Aug. 19 -- Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units (LGUS) to ensure the timely repair and replacement of classrooms damaged monsoon rains and typhoons that hit the country in the last two weeks.

In a statement, Gatchalian said the immediate repair is needed for the safe resumption of classes in affected areas.

According to the DepEd, the combined effects of two tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon damaged 6,681 classrooms as of August 14.

"Tuwing bumabangon tayo mula sa mga kalamidad, kailangang agarang kumpunihin o palitan ang mga nasirang silid-aralan upang 'wag malagay sa panganib ang mga mag-aaral dahil lamang sa mga pasilidad na ...