The Super Typhoon Rai devastated several regions in the Philippines a few months ago (December 2022), leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Regrettably, our very own San Roque Elementary School was not spared from the havoc. The powerful winds, reaching speeds of up to 195 km/h (120 mph), inflicted substantial damage on the school buildings, gardens, and surrounding trees. The devastating impact forced the evacuation of more than 4,000 individuals, ensuring their safety amidst the chaos. Tragically, the calamity resulted in injuries to approximately 500 people, with an additional 56 individuals reported missing by the local authorities. The affected areas endured days without electricity, limited phone connectivity, and scarce drinking water supplies.
Rebuilding hope: the school's restoration through the generosity of many.
During the initial months of 2023, extensive efforts were undertaken to repair and rebuild the school, along with other affected institutions. The recent weeks saw the completion of the final touches, resulting in a fully restored, renewed, and freshly painted school environment, where the remnants of the tragedy have been successfully erased.
We express our profound gratitude to the dedicated school staff, hardworking laborers, and committed volunteers who played pivotal roles in making this remarkable restoration a reality.
