5k schools damaged nationwide due to recent earthquakes — DepEd

In the wake of recent earthquakes that affected around 5,000 schools nationwide, the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units (LGUs) have launched a stronger nationwide disaster resilience drive to protect learners, teachers, and education infrastructure from future calamities.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the DepEd is intensifying its coordination with LGUs to make disaster response and education recovery faster, more localized, and community-driven, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen preparedness in schools.

“Mahalaga sa atin na laging katuwang natin ang ating mga LGU sa paghahatid ng tulong at pag-asa sa ating kababayan. Sa bawat sakuna, kailangang sabay-sabay tayong bumangon—DepEd, LGUs, guro, at mga magulang,” Angara said in a statement.

(It is important that our LGUs remain our partners in bringing help and hope to our fellow Filipinos. In every disaster, the DepEd, LGUs, teachers, and parents must rise together.)

The DepEd said the recent tremors caused structural damage and disruptions in around 5,000 schools, with the most affected regions identified as Region VII (Central Visayas), Region XI (Davao Region), and the Negros Island Region (NIR).

DepEd’s new resilience push includes a multi-agency initiative to upgrade disaster readiness systems, certify earthquake-safe schools, and deploy real-time monitoring tools nationwide.

Under the program, the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) introduced the M7X Ready Framework, a first-of-its-kind earthquake mitigation and preparedness certification program for schools. The Department also launched the Guidebook on Safer Learning Facilities, which outlines engineering and non-engineering measures to strengthen school infrastructure safety.

In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and PHIVOLCS, DepEd has developed PlanSmart for Safe Schools, an automated tool for multi-hazard contingency planning. The agency is also working on a Sensor Network System that will provide real-time earthquake data, allowing faster emergency response and coordination.

Angara has likewise directed regional offices to work closely with LGUs to speed up repair and rehabilitation of damaged classrooms, particularly in areas most affected by recent tremors.

In Davao Region, DepEd teams conducted Psychological First Aid and psychosocial sessions for affected teachers and learners and deployed rapid response groups for school cleanup and minor repairs.

In Cebu, the Department has implemented alternative delivery modes to ensure continuous learning while buildings undergo structural assessment.

Across Metro Manila, cities such as Pasig, Manila, and San Juan have started distributing Emergency Go Bags to teachers and students, while Antique LGUs partnered with local schools to update contingency plans. In the Zamboanga Peninsula, more than half of LGUs have adopted the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) to enhance disaster evaluation and response efforts.

Angara underscored that strengthening school preparedness is not just about rebuilding structures but ensuring that the education system remains resilient and responsive in times of crisis.

"Kapag handa ang mga paaralan, ligtas ang kinabukasan. At kapag kumilos ang buong komunidad, walang bagyo o lindol ang makakapigil sa pagkatuto,” he said.

(When schools are prepared, the future is safe. And when the whole community acts together, no storm or earthquake can stop learning.)

The Department said the initiative forms part of its broader Education Resilience and Recovery Framework, which seeks to integrate disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and infrastructure safety into the country’s education agenda.

Earlier this month, a magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 double earthquakes hit offshore Manay, Davao Oriental. Nine people died in those earthquakes, which affected over 1 million people.

 Meanwhile, 79 people died in the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu just over two weeks ago. — Sherylin Untalan/RSJ, GMA Integrated News