In November 2025, powerful typhoons, including Tino (Kalmaegi) and Uwan (Fung-wong), struck the Philippines in succession over a period of just over ten days. Intensified by global warming, the storms dumped hundreds of millimeters of rain on Cebu, turning Biasong in Talisay City, a low-lying community near the mouth of the Mananga River, into what seemed like a vast reservoir.

When the typhoons and heavy rains subsided, the full extent of the devastation in the hardest-hit areas became clear. Homes and buildings had collapsed, leaving scenes so devastated that it was difficult even to tell what had once stood there.

Biasong Elementary School, a place of learning for local children, was also hit hard by the typhoons and torrential rains. As the river overflowed and seawater surged inland, two school buildings were completely flooded up to the second floor.

After the floodwaters receded, huge piles of mud and debris remained. School equipment and learning materials were covered in filth or damaged beyond recognition. Classes were suspended, and the children were left to continue their studies at home on a limited basis.

Negative Impacts of Climate Disasters on Education

✏️ Learning Loss	In-person classes suspended indefinitely due to flooded classrooms and the loss of teaching materials
😟 Psychological Trauma	Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by damage to schools and disruption to daily life
💧 Health and Sanitation Risks	Loss of access to sanitation facilities and increased risk of waterborne diseases
🚨 Safety Hazards	Risk of accidents at school due to cracked floors, power and water outages, and debris
🏫 Damage to School Infrastructure	Loss of TVs, laptops, desks, chairs, and other school equipment and learning materials

When members of the International WeLoveU Foundation (“WeLoveU”) visited the school to assess the damage firsthand, teachers and students shared the challenges they were facing.

“The classrooms and educational facilities have been damaged, making the school environment unsafe. There is still a great deal of debris throughout the school, and the children are not yet mentally or physically ready to return to class. We also need classroom repairs and essential educational supplies.”

Maximo I. Carin, Principal

“Some students even lost their homes in the flooding. They are struggling emotionally, making it difficult for them to focus on their schoolwork, and the teachers also need psychological support. After nearly three months of modular learning, in which students study independently at home using printed learning materials, the learning gap among students has widened. We need a large amount of water to repair and clean the school, but even the water supply system has not yet been restored, making the situation extremely difficult.”

Felgene J. Ogoy, Teacher

“The water rose so quickly that it reached the roof of my home. That’s when I lost all my school supplies. The hardest part is not being able to go to class. Once the school is fully repaired, I want to see my friends again and learn from my teacher in the classroom.”

Hershey L. Dakuma, Student

Rebuilding Hope

Recognizing the severity of the situation, WeLoveU began restoration work at Biasong Elementary School in close cooperation with the Talisay City Government and the Villar Foundation, a leading social welfare organization in the Philippines.

In mid-March, before major restoration work began, classes resumed on a limited basis on the third floor, which had suffered relatively little damage. With the goal of restoring normal classes on every floor, WeLoveU carried out extensive repairs to the heavily damaged first and second floors from March 23 to May 26.

✔️ Removed remaining mud from classrooms ✔️ Removed moisture-damaged paint and repainted the walls ✔️ Repaired cracks in ceilings and floors ✔️ Repaired and replaced doors and windows ✔️ Repaired restrooms and replaced toilets ✔️ Repaired electrical wiring and electrical systems ✔️ Installed classroom fans and provided school bags for all students

Smiles Return to Children’s Faces

On June 4, a ceremony marking the completion of improvements to the learning environment was finally held at the newly renovated Biasong Elementary School.

About 100 people attended the ceremony, including WeLoveU Secretary-General Lee Seung-eon and other representatives, the Chief of Staff of the Villar Foundation, the Vice Mayor and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Talisay City, city councilors, school staff, and students. They were delighted to see the school clean and beautifully restored. Two students, a boy and a girl representing Biasong Elementary School, surprised the guests with a special celebratory performance. As they sang a song they had carefully prepared in their sweet voices, bright smiles spread across the faces of everyone in attendance.

After the Learning Environment Improvements

WeLoveU Secretary-General Lee Seung-an emphasized, “Schools are precious places where the dreams and hopes of future generations grow. I sincerely hope that today’s support will help create a safer and brighter learning environment for the students.”

Rhaegee Tamaña, Chief of Staff of the Villar Foundation, said, “We are pleased to have completed the typhoon recovery work at Biasong Elementary School together with WeLoveU and to mark its completion today.” She also conveyed a message from Executive Director Cynthia Villar: “I would like to thank WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for helping restore the school’s learning environment. The Villar Foundation will also continue working to improve the quality of life of those in need and help them build better lives.”

Richard Francis F. Aznar, Vice Mayor of Talisay City, expressed his gratitude during the ceremony, saying, “I would like to thank WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for helping restore a safe and suitable learning environment at the school.” Christine Paquibot, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, said, “Restoring the school means rebuilding the children’s dreams. They will now be able to grow and learn in a safer and better environment.”

Expected Benefits of the Improved Learning Environment

📚 Ensuring the Right to Education and Supporting Continued Learning	– Providing a safe and stable learning environment where children can continue their education after disruptions caused by climate disasters – Creating a clean and comfortable environment that supports children’s emotional well-being and helps increase their interest in learning and ability to concentrate
🩺 Promoting Health	– Reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and other health threats by restoring sanitation facilities – Helping children develop healthy habits by making personal hygiene easier and more accessible
💞 Strengthening Community Resilience	– Strengthening community resilience by bringing comfort and hope for the future to parents and local residents

The teachers, finally reunited with their students in the classroom, also smiled with relief. Having waited anxiously for the school to return to normal, they expressed deep gratitude and joy to WeLoveU as they saw the school restored as a safe and comfortable place for learning.

“I was very sad when classes had to be temporarily suspended after heavy rains flooded the school. Now the classrooms have been safely restored, and we can use the restrooms again. I’m happy that we can teach in a safe environment.”

Gwendolyn T. Alinsug, Teacher

“The typhoon damaged all the windows and doors, but WeLoveU repaired them all. The walls were cleaned and repainted, and the damaged floors were repaired as well. Everything looks wonderful. Now the school is fully ready for the new school year.”

Ivy Shanti T. Estorgio, Teacher

“You have greatly helped our school welcome students back. Thanks to your warm support and care, our school now has a safer and more comfortable learning environment. On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your dedication and generosity.”

Maximo I. Carin, Principal

Disruptions to education caused by climate disasters can jeopardize the future of an entire generation. WeLoveU will continue supporting disaster-vulnerable communities around the world to help ensure that children’s right to education is protected even amid the growing climate crisis.