The Department of Education (DepEd) has reinforced its disaster preparedness systems by deploying rapid assessment teams and launching new tools and facilities aimed at strengthening educational resilience across the country.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the importance of preparedness at the school level to ensure the safety of students, teachers and non-teaching personnel.

“Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., our focus is preparedness,” Angara said. “We need to ensure that our schools can respond to protect students and continue education before, during, and after any disaster.” He added that preparedness is the foundation of resilience. “When our schools have adequate equipment, training and facilities, we can ensure that learning will continue even in the midst of a disaster,” Angara said.