DepEd allocates P1.35-B for disaster-resilient schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) has allocated P1.35 billion for the printing, delivery, and training related to Learning Packets and Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) materials to mitigate learning disruptions caused by natural disasters.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative aims to equip teachers and students with tools that allow classes to continue safely, even when schools are temporarily closed.

“These funds are about preparedness and continuity,” Angara said.

“Sa panahong mahirap, mas kailangan ng mga bata ang pag-asa at direksyon. Kaya kahit limitado ang kuryente, signal, o daan, dapat may paraan pa rin para magpatuloy ang pag-aaral," he added.

("In difficult times, children need hope and direction more than ever. So even if electricity, signal, or roads are limited, there must still be a way to continue learning.")

The funding, including allocations from regional offices, covers the printing and distribution of Learning Packets for Grades 1 to 12 (P950 million) and Dynamic Learning Program materials for Junior High School learners (P499 million).

Public schools are instructed to provide one set of Learning Packets per grade level to students from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Each packet contains 25 to 50 self-paced activities per grade level, designed to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Some materials also include enrichment exercises for advanced learning or life skills development.

The DLP provides structured, activity-based lessons that students can work on independently. Learners can complete DLP sheets using paper or notebooks, making it possible to continue learning even without electricity, gadgets, or internet connection.

Angara said these materials are part of DepEd’s continuing push for learning resilience.

“Gusto nating siguraduhin na kahit may bagyo, baha, o lindol, may hawak pa ring aralin ang bawat bata. Education must be the last to stop and the first to recover.”

(“We want to make sure that even if there is a typhoon, flood, or earthquake, every child still has a lesson to learn. Education must be the last to stop and the first to recover.”)

The approach also encourages closer coordination with local government units to ensure that schools in high-risk areas can quickly activate alternative learning modes when in-person classes are suspended.

Regional directors have been instructed to oversee the timely production and delivery of materials and to submit monthly accomplishment reports. The Bureau of Learning Resources, Bureau of Learning Delivery, and the National Educators Academy of the Philippines will also provide technical assistance and training for teachers and local implementers.

Angara underscored that the initiative reflects DepEd’s commitment to building a future-ready and disaster-resilient education system to further empower teachers and local leaders to act immediately and confidently when disruptions occur.

“Aside from learning recovery, we must now invest in learning readiness,” he said.

“Kung handa ang paaralan, handa rin ang bansa. Education is not only about what we teach in good weather—it’s about how we make learning endure, rain or shine," the DepEd chief added.

(“If the school is ready, the country is ready too. Education is not only about what we teach in good weather—it’s about how we make learning endure, rain or shine.”)