The Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units (LGUs) are ramping up coordinated, community-driven efforts to accelerate education recovery following recent disasters that have affected around 5,000 schools nationwide.

In a statement issued Thursday, October 23, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the joint initiative focuses on restoring safe learning spaces, repairing damaged facilities, and providing psychosocial support for both teachers and learners.

“Mahalaga sa atin na laging katuwang natin ang ating mga LGU sa paghahatid ng tulong at pag-asa sa ating kababayan (It’s important for us to always work hand in hand with our LGUs in delivering aid and hope to our fellow citizens),” Angara said.

“Sa bawat sakuna, kailangang sabay-sabay tayong bumangon—DepEd, LGUs, guro, at mga magulang (In every disaster, we must rise together — DepEd, LGUs, teachers, and parents),” he added.

DepEd data showed around 5,000 schools in several regions have been affected by recent earthquakes and floods, underscoring the urgency of strengthening disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) measures nationwide.

To bolster preparedness, DepEd continues to conduct awareness campaigns, simulation drills, and capacity-building programs to help teachers and learners respond effectively during emergencies.

DepEd regional offices have also been directed to coordinate closely with LGUs to expedite school repairs and rehabilitation in disaster-stricken communities, ensuring that learning continues even under challenging conditions.

In Davao Region, DepEd teams conducted Psychological First Aid sessions and clean-up operations in nine priority schools, providing immediate psychosocial and logistical support to affected personnel.

In Cebu, schools adopted alternative delivery modes (ADM) to sustain classes while facilities undergo assessment and minor repairs.

In Metro Manila, LGUs in Pasig, Manila, and San Juan distributed Emergency Go Bags to teachers and students to strengthen disaster readiness in schools.

In Antique, local governments partnered with schools to update contingency plans. Meanwhile, in the Zamboanga Peninsula, more than half of LGUs have adopted the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS)—a science-based tool for evaluating school safety and disaster impacts.

To improve resilience and preparedness, DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) launched the M7X Ready Framework, an earthquake preparedness certification program for schools, along with the Guidebook on Safer Learning Facilities.

In collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and PHIVOLCS, DepEd also developed PlanSmart for Safe Schools, an automated tool for multi-hazard contingency planning.

DepEd said it is also exploring the creation of a Sensor Network that will provide real-time data on earthquake intensity and damage, enabling faster response and recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, Angara reaffirmed DepEd’s commitment to strengthening school safety through partnerships with local governments and science agencies.

“Kapag handa ang mga paaralan, ligtas ang kinabukasan (When schools are prepared, the future is secure),” Angara said. “At kapag kumilos ang buong komunidad, walang bagyo o lindol ang makakapigil sa pagkatuto (And when the whole community takes action, no storm or earthquake can stop learning),” he added.

DepEd emphasized that prepared schools mean a safer future—one where communities are empowered to act swiftly and collaboratively in the face of disasters.