DepEd launches disaster risk platform to reduce class disruptions during calamities

The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched Project LIGTAS+, a new disaster risk intelligence platform designed to help schools prepare for natural hazards and minimize class disruptions during calamities.

LIGTAS+, short for Learning Institution Geohazard Tracking and Assessment for Safety — uses geospatial analytics, satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and historical hazard data to generate real-time, school-specific risk assessments across the country.

According to DepEd, the system is intended to help schools and local education officials make faster and more targeted decisions before and during disasters, including floods, earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides, and extreme weather events.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative aims to protect both learners and families from prolonged educational disruptions caused by disasters.

“Education is the most reliable ladder out of poverty. When a disaster strikes, that ladder shouldn’t break,” Angara said.

Among the platform’s features are interactive multi-hazard maps, school-level risk profiles, flood monitoring powered by satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, earthquake impact assessments, volcanic activity tracking, and AI-powered weather forecasts of up to 10 days.

DepEd said the system could also help reduce unnecessary blanket class suspensions by identifying which schools are directly at risk and which can safely continue face-to-face classes.

The department said this approach could help learners stay on track academically while allowing parents to continue working during localized disasters.

Project LIGTAS+ is also designed to monitor how disasters affect academic performance and learning continuity, enabling more targeted interventions for affected students and schools.

LIGTAS+ is currently in its pilot implementation stage, the platform is already being used to support disaster response operations and long-term school safety planning.

DepEd said Project LIGTAS+ contributes to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service’s situational reports during calamities and also powers the M7X Ready School Program launched in April.

The department added that the platform is expected to support future planning involving school infrastructure, hazard mitigation, and resource allocation.

DepEd’s Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) said the initiative equips regional and field offices with evidence-based information to improve disaster preparedness and emergency response. —VAL, GMA News