DepEd sets up disaster-resilient classrooms in Cebu, Masbate

The Department of Education (DepEd) has installed modular “Learning Continuity Spaces” (LCS) in schools in Cebu and Masbate to help students resume classes after natural disasters damaged or disrupted school facilities.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday inspected one of the newly installed facilities at Marcelo B. Fernan–Polambato Elementary School in Bogo City, Cebu, together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

The prefabricated modular learning spaces are equipped with solar-powered systems and internet connectivity and are designed to allow classes to continue even after disasters.

According to DepEd, the facilities were set up to address classroom disruptions affecting 90 learners in two elementary schools in Bogo City following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in September 2025.

Another 270 students from six public schools in Masbate also received assistance after Typhoon Opong damaged learning spaces in the province.

Additional learning continuity spaces were deployed to several schools, including Calolod Elementary School and Electo T. Verano Elementary School in Masbate, as well as B. Titong High School, Asid Integrated School, and Luy-A Elementary School.

DepEd said the structures can be installed within two weeks, allowing schools to quickly restore learning environments after disasters.

“These climate-resilient structures represent efforts to ensure that no Filipino learner is left behind even in the face of calamities,” Angara said.

The initiative also forms part of government efforts to address the country’s long-standing classroom shortage.

Under the 2026 Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund, DepEd plans to build 1,380 Learning Continuity Spaces nationwide, aimed at providing temporary but functional classrooms in disaster-affected areas while permanent facilities are being restored.—MCG, GMA Integrated News