DepEd ramps up post-typhoon recovery to restore education access

The Department of Education (DepEd) is doubling down on efforts to restore education access in the wake of Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino by combining school recovery operations with alternative learning delivery modes to ensure continuity for affected students.

In a briefing during DepEd’s Management Committee Meeting held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, regional offices presented pre-storm preparations and ongoing interventions for damaged schools and disrupted learning environments.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara stressed the government agency’s mandate to prioritize learners’ welfare during a visit to storm-hit areas in Bicol with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.

The two officials inspected the Cararayan-Naga Elementary School in Tiwi, Albay, before joining a situation briefing with local officials.

“Hindi tayo titigil sa pag-aayos ng mga paaralan, sa pagbibigay ng alternatibong paraan ng pag-aaral, at sa pagbabalik ng bawat bata sa kanilang karapatan sa edukasyon nang ligtas at mabilis,” Angara said.

(We will not stop repairing schools, providing alternative modes of learning, and ensuring every child safely and quickly regains their right to education.)

Region V (Bicol Region) suffered the most severe damage, with reports indicating that 807 schools sustained destruction affecting 5,742 classrooms.

Of these, 743 classrooms were declared totally damaged, particularly in Albay (237), Masbate (229), and Catanduanes (190). Major damage affected 1,307 classrooms, while minor repairs were needed for 3,664.

The DepEd said it already released P326 million to Region V for the initial rehabilitation of 1,319 schools. Additional funds specifically for cleanup operations and minor repairs are set to follow within the week.

Regional offices activated contingency plans days ahead of Typhoon Uwan’s landfall such as the pre-positioning of Self-Learning Modules (SLMs), Learning Activity Sheets (LAS), and Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) materials to sustain learning despite widespread power outages, flooding, and blocked roads.

As of Nov. 12, most regions, including those previously used as evacuation centers, have resumed face-to-face classes.

However, the DepEd noted that some campuses are operating through blended learning strategies, depending on local conditions and connectivity issues. These include online delivery, printed modules, and SMS-based support.

Regional teams are also coordinating with local government units (LGUs), community volunteers, and partners to conduct damage assessments, clear debris, and safely reopen affected campuses.

The DePed assured that plans are underway for deploying upgraded temporary learning spaces and intensifying teacher training for Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM), and underscored the need for stronger psychological support services for affected learners, and improved use of preparedness funds for faster rehabilitation. — JMA, GMA Integrated News