Public schools to receive P1.35 billion for learning continuity in emergencies

The Department of Education (DepEd) has allocated P1.35 billion to ensure that learning continues in public schools even during natural disasters.

This will be for the printing, delivery, and teacher training for Learning Packets and Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) materials.

In a statement on Friday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative is part of the Marcos administration’s broader effort to make schools more prepared for emergencies that disrupt classes.

“These funds are about preparedness and continuity,” Angara said. “Sa panahong mahirap, mas kailangan ng mga bata ang pag-asa at direksyon. Kaya kahit limitado ang kuryente, signal, o daan, dapat may paraan pa rin para magpatuloy ang pag-aaral.”

(In difficult times, children need hope and direction even more. So even with limited electricity, signal, or access roads, there must still be a way for learning to continue.)

According to DepEd, the funding will support the printing and distribution of Learning Packets for Grades 1 to 12, amounting to P950 million, and DLP materials for Junior High School learners worth P499 million.

Public schools will provide one set of Learning Packets per grade level, containing 25 to 50 self-paced activities designed to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Some materials also include enrichment activities that promote advanced learning and life skills.

The Dynamic Learning Program, on the other hand, is a structured, activity-based learning approach that allows students to work independently using paper or notebooks — even without electricity, gadgets, or internet connection.

“These materials are part of our continuing push for learning resilience,” Angara said. 

“Gusto nating siguraduhin na kahit may bagyo, baha, o lindol, may hawak pa ring aralin ang bawat bata. Education must be the last to stop and the first to recover.”

(We want to make sure that even during a storm, flood, or earthquake, every child still has learning materials in hand. Education must be the last to stop and the first to recover.)

DepEd said the program also promotes stronger coordination with local government units (LGUs) to ensure that schools in high-risk areas can swiftly activate alternative learning modes when in-person classes are suspended.

Regional Directors have been instructed to monitor the production and delivery of materials and to submit monthly accomplishment reports. Technical assistance and teacher training will be led by the Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR), Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD), and the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP).

Angara emphasized that the initiative reflects DepEd’s commitment to building a future-ready and disaster-resilient education system, empowering teachers and school leaders to respond immediately when disruptions occur.

“Aside from learning recovery, we must now invest in learning readiness,” Angara said. 

“Kung handa ang paaralan, handa rin ang bansa. Education is not only about what we teach in good weather—it’s about how we make learning endure, rain or shine.”

(If our schools are ready, our nation is ready. Education is not just about what we teach in good weather—it’s about ensuring that learning endures, rain or shine.) –NB, GMA Integrated News