DepEd accelerates learning recovery efforts after 'Kristine'
To help students resume their studies as quickly as possible following disruptions caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the Department of Education (DepEd), led by Secretary Sonny Angara, has mobilized rapid response efforts in affected areas.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Oct. 29, Angara commended the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) staff and DepEd personnel across the country for their swift response in assisting schools and communities impacted by the storm.
"Even as classes and government offices were suspended for three days, many of our staff continued working from home to coordinate assistance,” Angara said. “Saludo kami sa inyong dedikasyon (We salute your dedication),” he added.
Status report
As of Oct. 28, a situation report from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System (DRRMS) indicated that classes in 38,376 schools were suspended, and 888 schools were flooded or affected by landslides. A total of 1,127 schools are also being used as evacuation centers.
DepEd estimates total infrastructure damages at PHP 3.7 billion, including PHP 2.9 billion for reconstruction and PHP 737.5 million for major repairs.
Recovery plan launched
Acknowledging the urgent need to restore education, DepEd has launched a comprehensive recovery plan to allow students to resume learning without delay.
DepEd plans to intensify rehabilitation and recovery efforts by replacing damaged learning resources, including textbooks, tools, equipment, and computer packages.
Additional Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) will be allocated to Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), and schools.
The plan also includes producing extra printed Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) and establishing temporary learning spaces, among other initiatives.
“Every day out of school is a lost opportunity to learn,” Angara said. “That is why we are prioritizing rehabilitation efforts to restore normalcy in the education system as quickly as possible,” he added.
Supporting employees
To aid DepEd employees in their recovery, the department is facilitating access to the special emergency leave provided by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). This leave offers up to five paid days for government personnel directly impacted by the disaster, which may be used either consecutively or intermittently.
“This leave allows our employees to focus on recovery—whether it's rebuilding their homes or supporting their families—so they can return to work ready to serve,” Angara said.
Moreover, DepEd reiterated its commitment to minimizing disruptions to education and swiftly addressing the challenges posed by the storm.
“Our goal is clear: to bring students back to school and back to learning as soon as possible,” Angara said.
DepEd said it is also collaborating closely with local communities, school officials, and regional offices to ensure that every student, regardless of the severity of their circumstances, receives the necessary resources and support to continue their education.