DepEd assures continued learning amid disasters

The Department of Education is providing alternative learning for students displaced by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon, as thousands of schools across the country suspend in-person classes and some are converted into evacuation centers, officials said.

At San Joaquin and Rosario Elementary School in Pasig, which are now serving as evacuation centers for families displaced by recent flooding, learning has not been stopped.

Despite the difficult conditions, teachers and volunteers continue to conduct basic learning sessions and provide psychological first aid to children sheltered in the schools’ makeshift classrooms.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who visited flood-hit schools in the cities of Malabon and Navotas this week, stressed the importance of being ready with alternatives when schools are affected.

“May mga paaralan ang nakapagpatupad ng emergency protocols at may mga guro tayong agad nagpakita ng malasakit at dedikasyon. Pero hindi rin natin maikakaila na may mga lugar na hirap makabangon agad. Kailangan pa nating pag-ibayuhin ang suporta sa kanila, lalo na sa pagbibigay ng learning materials, psychosocial aid, at pansamantalang espasyo para sa pag-aaral,” Angara said.

As of 5 p.m. on Thursday, 24 July, a total of 24,649 schools across the country have suspended in-person classes due to heavy rains and flooding.

DepEd data also showed that 442 schools are currently being used as evacuation centers in ten regions—including the National Capital Region, Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, VI, IX, the Cordillera Autonomous Region, and the Negros Island Region.

In several of these areas, Schools Division Offices have begun implementing structured alternative learning delivery modes such as modular instruction and guided group learning, allowing education to continue for displaced learners in temporary shelters.

Angara emphasized that while the safety of children is paramount, providing structured learning in evacuation centers gives them a sense of normalcy and helps in their recovery.

“Alam nating hindi madaling mag-aral habang lumikas o apektado ng baha, pero mahalaga pa ring may ginagawa ang mga bata. Kahit simpleng aktibidad, malaking tulong ito sa kanilang pagbangon,” Angara said.

He thanked teachers and volunteers for their dedication to help amid the disaster.

DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service reported that 2,492 classrooms have sustained minor damage, 726 classrooms have major damage, 732 are totally destroyed, and 327 WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities have been affected.

In response, DepEd has initiated the release of over P17 million to support affected schools—P6.98 million for immediate cleaning and clearing, and P10.04 million for minor classroom repairs.

Field offices have also been directed to activate contingency plans, secure vital school equipment and records, and coordinate closely with local disaster response units.