Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Monday that more than PHP2 billion in disaster response funds are urgently needed to address the damage inflicted on 9,597 classrooms by the enhanced southwest monsoon and cyclones. At least 1,594 schools across the nation have been affected, with Central Luzon experiencing the highest impact, accounting for 41 percent of the national classroom damage.
According to Philippines News Agency, this significant damage translates to 3,596 classrooms suffering minor to major destruction in 412 schools, affecting 126,584 learners in the region. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the agency's swift deployment of support to maintain learning continuity despite the adverse weather conditions. 'Agad tayong nagbaba ng suporta sa ating mga paaralan - mula sa paglilinis hanggang sa pagpapalit ng mga nasirang modules (We have immediately deployed support to our schools - from cleanup to the replacement of destroyed modules),' Angara stated during a situation briefing in Pampanga alongside President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Pampanga reported the most severe losses with 1,689 classrooms damaged, followed by Bulacan with 933. Angara reassured that the education of the youth would not be halted due to the cyclones. For minor repairs and cleanup, the DepEd has set an initial funding requirement of PHP318.01 million, addressing the needs of the 1,594 affected schools nationwide. Specifically, Central Luzon requires approximately PHP109.71 million for immediate response interventions in 412 schools, including PHP12.69 million for debris cleanup and sanitation, and PHP97.02 million for minor classroom repairs in 1,980 classrooms.
To facilitate campus cleanup and clearing efforts, the DepEd is coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to leverage its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program. The overall requirement for the country stands at PHP2.60 billion to cover major repair and reconstruction needs. This includes PHP359 million for major repairs across 718 schools and PHP2.245 billion for the reconstruction of 898 schools. The agency is tapping into the Disaster Preparedness and Response Program (DPRP) fund and has submitted a Special Budget Request to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
In addition to physical repairs, DepEd regional and division offices have initiated the emergency reprinting and procurement of 23,154 damaged self-learning modules. Central Luzon has logged the maximum class disruption, with 12 instructional days lost in Pampanga and Zambales. The DepEd has activated its 4H framework to ensure learners' safety and learning continuity, consisting of 'Hinto' for academic suspension due to safety risks; 'Hinga' for check-in or reduced load and psychological support; 'Hinay' for flexible learning; and 'Hayo' for continued learning. This framework adheres to DepEd Order No. 014, series of 2026, or the DepEd Guidelines on Learning Continuity in Emergencies.
The DepEd has also proposed a granular or school-level resumption of face-to-face classes rather than a blanket halt to in-person classes to prevent learning loss. Under the proposed revisions, individual schools that remain safe or recover quickly from emergencies may resume in-person classes, subject to local government unit concurrence and documented safety assessments.
