The Department of Education (DepEd) has updated its measures strengthening the preparedness of schools for disasters and other emergencies, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said on Friday.

Angara emphasized the importance of learning and service continuity plans (LSCP) in minimizing the disruption of learning delivery.

In DepEd Order 022, the agency provided revised guidelines on class and work suspensions in schools during typhoons and tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall and floods, earthquakes, power outages, extreme heat, low air quality and other emergencies and hazards. The policy also outlined steps to safeguard students and teachers while ensuring learning continuity.

The LSCP mandates field offices and schools to identify suitable alternative delivery modes (ADMs) for education, ensuring that even during calamities, students have access to learning resources. The ADMs may include modular distance learning, online education, or blended approaches, depending on the specific needs and local conditions.

The LSCP must also establish protocols for the safekeeping and storage of learning materials and devices to prevent damage during calamities. The plan must also detail procedures for distributing these materials, ensuring that learners can easily access them when needed.