DepEd to adopt modular learning after Cebu quake damages over 7,500 classrooms

The Department of Education (DepEd) will roll out modular learning and temporary classrooms to prevent prolonged learning disruptions in northern Cebu after a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake damaged more than 7,500 classrooms and affected over 19,000 students.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the measures during an assessment visit to Bogo City on Thursday.

They met with local officials and inspected damaged schools, including the City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy. At least three buildings in Bogo City were declared unsafe after the quake.

As of 11 p.m. on October 1, DepEd data showed that 5,587 classrooms sustained minor damage, 803 had major damage, and 1,187 were completely destroyed – displacing learners and disrupting classes across Cebu. Nearly 950 teachers and non-teaching personnel were also affected.

Angara said their priority is to resume learning as quickly as possible while damaged facilities are being repaired or rebuilt.

“Sa gitna ng trahedya, kailangan mas maagap tayong tumulong para hindi rin maputol ang pag-aaral ng ating mga mag-aaral. Habang inaayos ang mga paaralan, agad tayong maghahatid ng alternatibong paraan upang may gabay, pag-asa, at direksyon silang mahahawakan,” Angara said.

(In the midst of this tragedy, we must respond quickly so that our students’ education will not be interrupted. While schools are being repaired, we will immediately provide alternative ways to ensure they still have guidance, hope, and direction.) 

The government agency will rely primarily on modular learning, considered the most practical approach in areas where classrooms were destroyed or where internet access is limited.

The agency is finalizing policies on lesson packets and the Dynamic Learning Program, with emergency funds for learning materials to follow.

To further minimize lost school days – estimated at about one month in the hardest-hit areas – the DepEd will set up Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) in Bogo City and nearby towns, prioritizing early grade learners and enabling limited face-to-face classes to resume sooner.

The department also distributed nearly 90 EduKahon teaching and learning kits and is coordinating with Schools Division Superintendents for localized interventions once urgent emergency measures are in place.

The President, who led a situation briefing with Cabinet officials, assured continued government coordination with local leaders to ensure smooth rehabilitation. 

"Hindi ito minsanan lang. We will continue to monitor, we will continue to coordinate with the local leaders here to make sure maganda ang takbo ng rehabilitation and support na binibigay natin,” he said.

(This is not a one-time effort. We will continue to monitor and coordinate with local leaders to ensure that rehabilitation and the support we provide go smoothly.) 

In addition, teachers in areas under a state of calamity may avail of Special Emergency Leave under Civil Service Commission rules. Unaffected regions are also mobilizing financial support for affected personnel. — JMA, GMA Integrated News