Enhancing Disaster Resilience in Philippine Education: DepEd's Strategic Initiatives

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In response to the escalating challenges posed by natural disasters, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines is implementing a series of strategic measures to bolster the resilience of educational infrastructure and ensure the continuity of learning for Filipino students.

Construction of Disaster-Resilient School Buildings

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has underscored the department's commitment to constructing disaster-resilient school facilities. This initiative aims to provide safe and structurally sound learning environments, particularly in regions frequently affected by typhoons and earthquakes. The recent inauguration of the country's first 12-story public school building in Cebu exemplifies this commitment, showcasing a design capable of withstanding severe weather conditions. 

Public-Private Partnerships for Classroom Construction

To address the critical shortage of classrooms, DepEd has partnered with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. This collaboration is set to expedite the construction of 15,000 classrooms across nine regions, benefiting approximately 600,000 students. The project is slated for completion by June 2027, with plans to scale up to 30,000 and 60,000 classrooms in subsequent phases. 

Enhancement of the Quick Response Fund (QRF)

Recognizing the limitations of the current Quick Response Fund, which has been increased to ₱3 billion annually, DepEd is advocating for additional resources to effectively address the scale of destruction caused by natural disasters. In 2024 alone, 1,855 schools were affected by various calamities, necessitating ₱6.6 billion for classroom repairs and ₱6.3 billion to replace 1,846 classrooms. 

Implementation of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act

In December 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act (Republic Act No. 12076), mandating the establishment of permanent evacuation centers in every city and municipality. This legislation aims to prevent schools from being used as temporary shelters during emergencies, thereby preserving the integrity of educational facilities. 

Revised Guidelines on Class and Work Suspension

To ensure the safety of students and staff during disasters, DepEd issued DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024, which provides updated guidelines on class and work suspension in schools during disasters and emergencies. This policy outlines procedures for suspending in-person classes during various hazards, including typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and other emergencies, while ensuring learning continuity through alternative delivery modalities. 

Conclusion

Through these comprehensive initiatives, DepEd demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing disaster resilience within the education sector. By investing in robust infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, advocating for increased funding, and implementing supportive policies, the department aims to safeguard the educational experience of Filipino learners amidst the challenges posed by natural disasters.

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