DepEd launches school readiness tracker ahead of June 8 class opening

The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a nationwide school readiness tracking system aimed at identifying infrastructure, sanitation, technology, and learning material gaps in public schools ahead of the opening of classes on June 8, 2026.

Dubbed “Project HANDA,” the platform will monitor key indicators related to physical facilities, learner support, and instructional readiness to help education officials determine where resources and interventions are most needed.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative is intended to improve data collection and guide decision-making as schools prepare to welcome students for the new academic year.

"Mahalaga na maging tumpak at mabilis ang ating pagkuha ng datos sa bawat paaralan upang agad nating matugunan ang kakulangan sa mga pasilidad at kagamitan bago magbukas ang klase," Angara said.

(It’s important that obtaining data is fast and precise from each school in order for us to respond to the needs of of our facilities and equipment before classes resume.)

According to DepEd, the system enables regional and division offices to access school-level data, which can be used to prioritize future funding, infrastructure assistance, and other interventions.

Initial data gathered through the platform has identified around ₱28 billion worth of priority structural repair proposals across public schools nationwide, providing what the department described as a basis for future infrastructure projects.

The tracker has also recorded approximately ₱2.7 billion in requested repairs for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, highlighting continuing needs related to campus health and sanitation.

DepEd said repairs and facility upgrades will continue even after classes begin, noting that not all renovation projects need to be completed before the opening of the school year and that urgent structural concerns will be prioritized.

The monitoring system is also tracking access to technology in schools. Based on current data, 76 percent of public schools, or more than 36,000 campuses, have information and communication technology (ICT) devices such as laptops, tablets, or televisions.

Meanwhile, the department reported progress in the delivery of learning materials, with textbook distribution for Grade 4 and Grade 5 already surpassing 70 percent completion.

Angara said the system is intended to help ensure that school readiness efforts reach all regions as classes resume next week.

The launch comes days before the opening of School Year 2026-2027, as DepEd continues preparations related to classrooms, facilities, learning resources, and student support services nationwide. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News