DepEd strengthens LGU coordination for faster education recovery

The Department of Education (DepEd) has intensified its coordination with local government units (LGUs) to make education recovery faster, more coordinated, and community-driven in the aftermath of disasters.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the cooperation is a critical move to ensure the safety of learners and teachers, and learning continuity at the local level.

He emphasized that the effort focuses on restoring safe learning spaces and ensuring that teachers and learners receive timely psychosocial support and school rehabilitation assistance.

“Mahalaga sa atin na laging katuwang natin ang ating mga LGU sa paghahatid ng tulong at pag-asa sa ating kababayan. Sa bawat sakuna, kailangang sabay-sabay tayong bumangon—DepEd, LGUs, guro, at mga magulang,” Angara said in a statement.

("It is important for us to always partner with our LGUs in delivering aid and hope to our countrymen. In every disaster, we must rise together—DepEd, LGUs, teachers, and parents.")

DepEd said recent earthquakes have affected around 5,000 schools across multiple regions, underscoring the importance of preparedness and local coordination.

The agency continues to implement awareness campaigns and simulation drills to guide teachers and learners on what to do during emergencies, while improving contingency plans and capacity-building efforts in schools.

To further strengthen school safety, the DepEd-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service introduced the M7X Ready Framework, an earthquake mitigation and preparedness certification program for schools, and announced the release of the Guidebook on Safer Learning Facilities.

In addition, the agency, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and PHIVOLCS, has also developed PlanSmart for Safe Schools, an automated tool for multi-hazard contingency planning. The Department is now exploring the establishment of a Sensor Network to provide real-time data on earthquake intensity and impact.

Angara also instructed DepEd regional offices to work closely with local government units in accelerating repair and rehabilitation of damaged facilities.

In Davao Region, DepEd led the conduct of psychological first aid and psychosocial support sessions for affected personnel and deployed teams to assist nine priority schools with clean-up and minor repairs. In Cebu, DepEd has adopted alternative delivery modes to ensure that learning continues even as school buildings undergo structural assessments.

In Metro Manila, the cities of Pasig, Manila, and San Juan, among others, initiated the distribution of Emergency Go Bags for their constituents. In Antique, local government units partnered with local schools to review and update contingency plans. Meanwhile, in the Zamboanga Peninsula, more than half of the local government units have adopted the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System, a science-based tool that enhances disaster assessment and response.

Angara said DepEd will continue to seek the support of local government units and partner agencies to reinforce school safety and preparedness nationwide.

“Kapag handa ang mga paaralan, ligtas ang kinabukasan. At kapag kumilos ang buong komunidad, walang bagyo o lindol ang makakapigil sa pagkatuto,” he said.

("When schools are ready, the future is secure. And when the entire community takes action, no storm or earthquake can stop learning.")