DepEd intensifies disaster resilience after 5,000 schools damaged

The Department of Education (DepEd) is intensifying its disaster resilience drive after approximately 5,000 schools were damaged by recent earthquakes, primarily in Central Visayas, Davao Region, and the Negros Island Region.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized strengthening coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) for faster, more coordinated, and community-driven education recovery, focusing on restoring safe learning spaces and providing timely psychosocial support and rehabilitation assistance.

The DepEd's resilience initiative involves improving disaster readiness systems, certifying schools for earthquake safety through the M7X Ready Framework, and implementing real-time monitoring tools.

The DRRMS has also released the Guidebook on Safer Learning Facilities.

Additionally, DepEd partnered with the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to develop 'PlanSmart for Safe Schools,' an automated tool for multi-hazard contingency planning.

The DepEd will continue to implement awareness campaigns and simulation drills to guide teachers and learners on emergency procedures.