DepEd prioritizes learning continuity, teachers' and learners' welfare as 2026 begins

The Department of Education (DepEd) said it is ramping up system readiness and coordination measures to ensure uninterrupted learning and to protect the welfare of teachers and learners nationwide as classes resume in 2026, following the enactment of its P1.015-trillion budget for the year.

In a press statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the newly approved budget will allow the department to strengthen learning continuity, particularly in areas heavily affected by natural disasters last year, while keeping health and safety measures at the forefront.

“Marami man tayong pagsubok na kinaharap noong nakaraang taon—lalo na ang mga kalamidad na nakaapekto sa pagkatuto ng ating mga mag-aaral—patuloy nating isusulong ang learning continuity sa ating mga paaralan,” Angara said.

(Despite the many challenges we faced last year—especially disasters that affected our learners’ education—we will continue to push for learning continuity in our schools.)

Public schools across the country faced multiple disasters in 2025 that disrupted classes and damaged facilities. DepEd data showed that Super Typhoon Uwan alone affected 2,953 schools, with about 10,400 classrooms sustaining varying levels of damage, forcing class suspensions that lasted from several days to weeks in some areas.

To address disruptions caused by damaged or unusable classrooms, Angara highlighted the deployment of Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS), which are designed to be set up within weeks to temporarily accommodate learners.

DepEd said it is currently procuring 133 LCS units across 127 sites nationwide, particularly in areas severely affected by successive typhoons and earthquakes. The agency targets awarding these projects within the first quarter of 2026. It is also studying enhancements to the structures, including the installation of window shutters or storm guards to minimize damage from strong winds.

Beyond infrastructure, Angara said DepEd will continue implementing Alternative Delivery Modalities (ADMs) in disaster-affected communities to ensure learning continues while prioritizing the safety and well-being of teachers and learners.

“Mahalaga para sa DepEd na masigurong maipagpapatuloy ng ating mga mag-aaral ang kanilang pagkatuto kahit mayroong mga kalamidad,” Angara said.

(It is important for DepEd to ensure that our learners can continue their education even in the midst of disasters.)

He added that the department’s interventions will be tailored to the specific conditions and needs of schools on the ground.

Within the first quarter of the year, DepEd is also set to issue a new policy aimed at promoting safe, inclusive, and motivating learning environments. The policy seeks to ensure schools are free from violence, harassment, and bullying, while strengthening prevention and response mechanisms related to Learner Rights and Protection concerns and increasing stakeholder involvement in addressing such cases. —KG, GMA Integrated News