DepEd props disaster preparedness-centric budget

The Department of Education is seeking a significantly expanded disaster preparedness budget in 2026 as the country continues to endure severe typhoons and earthquakes that disrupt classes and damage public schools.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the strengthened allocation comes at a crucial time, with more than 20 typhoons and several major earthquakes prompting widespread class suspensions this year.

Under the Senate version of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, DepEd’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Program is set at P3.77 billion — up from P665.32 million in the National Expenditure Program, a 466.9 percent increase. The amount remains subject to bicameral approval.

The program seeks to accelerate school repairs in disaster-hit areas and enhance emergency readiness. DepEd said the budget supports reforms already underway, including the PlanSmart for Safe Schools web application for contingency planning; the M7X School Ready Program, which certifies earthquake-ready schools near the West Valley Fault; and the Safer Learning Facilities Guidebook.

To maintain learning continuity, DepEd expanded the Dynamic Learning Program, EduKahon kits, and modular Learning Continuity Spaces, which will soon be deployed to hard-hit provinces such as Masbate.

A major investment in the Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools Project — funded at P9.39 billion—is also included. The project aims to rebuild more than 4,700 school buildings and 13,000 classrooms to withstand stronger storms and earthquakes.

Both the DPRP and ISRS budgets will be finalized after the bicameral conference.