With the goal of helping students make a safe and quick return to schools after a calamity.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 23, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that, together with local government units (LGUs), they are preparing measures to ensure a unified approach to ensure that the education sector is resilient after a natural disaster.
According to the agency, their goal is to bring back safe and conducive learning spaces for students and teachers by giving timely aid to affected schools.
DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara furthered that the tie-up with LGUs is crucial in fulfilling learning continuity.
“Mahalaga sa atin na laging katuwang natin ang ating mga LGU sa paghahatid ng tulong at pag-asa sa ating mga kababayan. Sa bawat sakuna, kailangang sabay-sabay tayong bumangon—DepEd, LGU, guro, at mga magulang,” said Angara.
In the same media release, DepEd noted that about 5,000 schools in various regions of the country were damaged by the consecutive earthquakes.
Angara said that he has directed regional offices to coordinate with LGUs to hasten the repair and rehabilitation works of damaged schools.
These, the department noted, show the importance of preparedness and coordination between the national and local government units.
As part of moves to improve safety in schools, DepEd launched the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) and the M7X Ready Framework, an earthquake mitigation and preparedness certification program for schools, as well as an upcoming Guidebook on Safer Learning Facilities.
“Kapag handa ang mga paaralan, ligtas ang kinabukasan. At kapag kumilos ang buong komunidad, walang bagyo o lindol ang makakapigil sa pagkatuto,” added Angara.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education recently disclosed that it has begun working with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Institute on Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) for the creation of the PlanSmart for Safe Schools.
This will be am automated tool for multi-hazard contingency planning, with DepEd also considering to establish a Sensor Network to give real-time data about the intensity and effects of earthquakes.