In accordance with its Education in Emergencies (EiE) Policy, tne Department of Education (DepEd) has begun implementing early rehabilitation measures for schools affected by Typhoon Inday (Bavi) and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd is promoting immediate response to disasters and preparing schools to remain safe, resilient, and ready for any threat.
“Under our Education in Emergencies policy, every school is expected to be ready to protect learners while ensuring that learning continues safely,” he noted.
Following the devastation of Typhoon Inday, the DepEd said it shifted from emergency response to early rehabilitation and recovery measures — including rapid damage assessment by school DRRM teams and schools division offices, verification of infrastructure needs, and preparation of interventions to restore a safe learning environment.
Based on the Situation Report of the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) on Friday, July 10, the rapid damage assessment recorded 81 damaged classrooms in six regions.
43 of which have minor damage, 20 with major damage, and 18 that were completely destroyed — with all still being verified by engineering teams.
At the height of Typhoon Inday and Habagat, schools in 11 regions were affected and implemented Flexible Learning Options and other learning continuity measures under the EiE policy.
“As we help communities recover from Typhoon Inday, we are also strengthening preparedness in areas affected by Kanlaon so our schools can respond quickly, adapt effectively, and continue serving our learners,” Angara added.
The Department is currently strengthening preparedness in schools and communities around Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island, which saw increased activity late last week amid its current Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) classification by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
They also continue to prohibit entry within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and warns of the possibility of sudden phreatic or steam-driven eruptions and other hazardous volcanic activities.
The education chief emphasized, “The lessons from every emergency strengthen our resolve to build a more resilient education system. Our commitment is to ensure that every Filipino learner has a safe school, uninterrupted learning, and the support they need, no matter the challenges they face.”
Under DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026, the Department adopted the Education in Emergencies Policy as a guide to maintaining quality and continuous education before, during, and after calamities and other emergencies.
The list includes the implementation of Flexible Learning Options, learning continuity planning, psychosocial support, school safety measures, mobilization of learning resources, and enhanced coordination at all levels of government to minimize disruption to learning.
All Schools Division Offices have also been directed to continue conducting assessments of the conditions of schools, update their contingency plans, coordinate with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, safeguard important learning resources and school records, and prepare emergency supplies.
SDOs are also directed to identify schools that can serve as evacuation centers while ensuring that alternative learning methods are in place if necessary.
Additionally, DepEd said it also continues to coordinate with PHIVOLCS, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), local governments, and other partner agencies.
Specifically, they are working together to ensure timely decision-making and coordinated response as rehabilitation continues in affected areas.
