In light of recent tropical storms that have disrupted schools across the Philippines, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized on Tuesday, Nov. 5, the need for educational systems to swiftly adapt to ensure stability and lessen dependence on community resilience alone.

“Our planning systems must adapt—and adapt quickly—to our new reality,” Angara said at the UNESCO-IIEP Regional Conference on Educational Planning in Asia, held from Nov. 5 to 7.

“Our education systems must be stable and predictable even in times of emergency,” Angara stated, highlighting the need for stronger educational planning to stabilize learning amid climate-related disruptions.

Adaptable programs

Meanwhile, Angara noted that the DepEd had started looking into adaptable programs for resource-constrained schools prior to the storms, motivated by the goal of preventing additional setbacks in education.

“Even before the storms hit, we were already in search of an alternative program that can be adapted to resource-strapped schools,” Angara said. “Our rationale was clear: Filipino learners—our region’s learners—cannot endure any more losses,” he added.

To support educational continuity in schools impacted by the recent onslaught of typhoons Kristine and Leon, DepEd has launched the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP), which promotes independent and resource-efficient learning in times of crisis.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/4/dep-ed-is-tackling-learning-loss

Angara also highlighted the importance of learning from neighboring countries and working together to develop strategies that enhance the accessibility and responsiveness of education to current challenges.

The conference, organized by UNESCO, seeks to promote partnerships among members of the Asian Network of Training and Research Institutions in Educational Planning (ANTRIEP) to incorporate evidence-based insights into educational policies.