The Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up measures to ensure learning continuity and safeguard the welfare of teachers and learners as schools nationwide resume classes for 2026, following the enactment of the 2026 national budget.

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that DepEd’s P1.015-trillion budget will strengthen learning continuity, especially in areas heavily affected by last year’s natural disasters, while maintaining a firm focus on the health, safety, and well-being of both students and teachers.

“Marami man tayong pagsubok na kinaharap noong nakaraang taon—lalo na ang mga kalamidad na nakaapekto sa pagkatuto ng ating mga mag-aaral—patuloy nating isusulong ang learning continuity sa ating mga paaralan (Even though we faced many challenges last year—especially the calamities that affected our students’ learning—we will continue to advance learning continuity in our schools),” Angara said.

Last year, public schools faced multiple natural disasters that severely impacted classrooms and school facilities. Super Typhoon Uwan alone damaged 2,953 schools, affecting 10,400 classrooms and causing class suspensions lasting from days to weeks, DepEd said.

To address these challenges, DepEd is prioritizing the establishment of Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS)—temporary facilities designed to restore classroom capacity quickly.

Currently, DepEd is procuring 133 LCS units across 127 sites in disaster-affected areas, with awards expected within the first quarter of 2026. Enhancements such as window shutters and storm guards are being considered to protect these spaces from typhoon damage.

In addition to infrastructure solutions, DepEd continues to implement Alternative Delivery Modalities (ADMs) to ensure uninterrupted learning while prioritizing the safety and welfare of teachers and students.

“Mahalaga para sa DepEd na masigurong maipagpapatuloy ng ating mga mag-aaral ang kanilang pagkatuto kahit mayroong mga kalamidad (It is important for DepEd to ensure that our students can continue their learning even in times of calamities),” Angara said.

“Rest assured na ipatutupad ng ahensiya ang mga hakbang na ito na angkop sa pangangailangan ng ating mga paaralan, kasama ang konsiderasyon sa kanilang kasalukuyang sitwasyon (The agency will implement measures suited to the needs of our schools, with due consideration of their current situation),” he added.

Looking ahead, DepEd said it will issue a policy promoting safe, inclusive, and motivating learning environments within the first quarter of 2026.

The policy will focus on preventing violence, harassment, and bullying in schools, strengthening Learner Rights and Protection (LRP) mechanisms, and encouraging stakeholder participation in safeguarding students’ welfare.

With these initiatives, DepEd said it aims to ensure that Filipino learners and educators can continue their educational journey safely and effectively, even in the face of natural disasters and other challenges.