An estimated 700,000 students and 20,000 teachers in Cebu have been afflicted by disasters one after another, based on data from the Department of Education (DepEd) 7.

Education is one of severely affected sectors in the last quarter of 2025 because of the series of calamities.

Classes in northern Cebu were disrupted for weeks when a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Bogo City late evening on September 30, 2025.

Several schools were devastated by the powerful tremor. The schools have not been rebuilt yet, as of this writing, because of the apparent lack of structural engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to focus tightly on the rehabilitation.

While reeling from the aftermath of the quake, Typhoon Tino dumped a month’s worth of rain on November 4 that triggered an unprecedented level of flooding in several areas in the north.

Situation in several schools affected by the quake worsened when Typhoon Tino unleashed its fury in the province.

According to Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd 7 director, approximately 700,000 students and 20,000 teachers have endured the impact of calamities, displacement, and multiple cancellation of classes.

Due to limited resources in rebuilding classrooms, DepEd 7 initiated various modalities for the resumption of classes off-site.

Jimenez said that students have to complete the 180-day school calendar.

He said extended class schedules are highly likely for students to be able to comply with the said school calendar.

However, DepEd 7 could not provide details yet on the amount of damages the two calamities had on the education sector.

Despite challenges of sorts, the agency vowed to keep strengthening its role in shaping students' minds and values with strong support from stakeholders.

Further, Jimenez emphasized the importance of children's participation in Christmas-related activities, seen as vital for children to veer their attention from their bad experience.

Further, he reminds schools to keep Christmas parties modest.