DepEd mobilizes rapid aid for schools hit by typhoon, earthquake

The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched rapid response operations to support schools and communities affected by a series of disasters, including the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo, Cebu, and the onslaught of Typhoons Nando and Opong, which damaged classrooms and disrupted classes in multiple regions.

In a press statement, DepEd said the government relief efforts were rolled out to deliver immediate assistance to affected families, learners, and teachers. 

During a visit to Nursery Elementary School in Masbate City on Tuesday, the President, along with Education Secretary Sonny Angara and other officials, distributed aid packages to residents, local government units, and various beneficiaries.

The relief included P10,000 in cash assistance each for 600 families under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, as well as two checks totaling over P34.8 million from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region V to the Provincial Government of Masbate for livelihood programs and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) initiative, benefiting 6,455 individuals in 11 municipalities.

In Gonzaga, Cagayan, the President also personally distributed aid to farmers and families affected by Typhoon Nando and visited the Alfonso Ponce Enrile Hospital to monitor the implementation of the government’s Zero Balance Billing policy.

DepEd likewise participated in the PhilHealth YAKAP Caravan at Santa Ana Fishery National High School, where teachers, students, and parents received medical services, food packs, and learner kits.

 Angara, who also inspected damaged schools in Cagayan and La Union, emphasized the importance of readiness and swift response in the face of successive calamities.

“Tungkulin natin na mabilis na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na at sunod sunod ang pananalasa ng mga kalamidad. Kailangan mapaigting natin ang koordinasyon ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno upang maibalik ang ligtas at normal na klase sa lalong madaling panahon,”

(It is our duty to swiftly respond to the needs of our fellow Filipinos, especially as disasters strike one after another. We must strengthen coordination among government agencies to restore safe and normal classes as soon as possible.)

Hundreds of classrooms damaged

According to DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), around 250 classrooms sustained varying degrees of damage following the powerful earthquake that struck Northern Cebu late on September 30. Based on its situation report as of 9:00 a.m. on October 1, the quake affected Regions 6, 7, 8, and the Negros Island Region (NIR), impacting around 2,200 learners and 90 teaching and non-teaching personnel.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Opong left more widespread destruction, with 1,101 classrooms suffering minor damage and 312 totally destroyed, disrupting classes for about 13 million learners nationwide.

Learning recovery, long-term preparedness

In a radio interview, Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm Garma assured that affected schools are prepared to implement learning recovery measures once conditions allow. He also appealed for support from national and local partners to accelerate rehabilitation efforts.

“Sa parte po ng DepEd, we are making sure na yung lost days for learning ay ma-recapture naming o ma-recover namin. But for structures, again, we are also appealing to our counterparts in DPWH and of course the Local Government Units kung paano po natin tutugunan,” Garma said.

(On the part of DepEd, we are making sure that the lost days for learning will be recaptured or recovered. But when it comes to infrastructure, we are appealing to our counterparts in the DPWH and, of course, the local government units on how we can address it.)

To strengthen disaster resilience in the long term, DepEd is rolling out key initiatives such as the PlanSmart for Safe Schools Application, the Pillar 1 Guidebook on Comprehensive School Safety, the M7X Project for multi-hazard preparedness, and Upgraded Temporary Learning Spaces (UTLS) — all designed to ensure continuous education even during emergencies.

DepEd also assured that its recovery efforts include the provision of temporary learning spaces, support for affected learners and teachers, and closer coordination with national agencies and local governments to fast-track school rehabilitation and restore normal operations.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News