Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said on Wednesday there is a need to explore government interventions to learning losses in connection with the rise of class suspensions due to recent weather disturbances.
Angara made the statement at the National Management Committee (ManComm), where it was reported that the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) already recorded 35 class disruptions, accounting for the highest number of school days lost mainly due to natural disasters and calamities.
Other severely impacted regions include Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, which registered at least 29 disruptions each—few of which were attributed to human-induced hazards like fire incidences.
There are 239 reported schools across the country that are considered “very high risk” to further learning losses due to the frequency of natural hazards. These areas have experienced severe damages incurred affecting 377,729 learners, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).
Additionally, 4,771 schools with 3,865,903 learners are categorized as “high risk.”
To address these problems, DepEd will implement the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) to ensure learning continuity, especially in affected regions. The said initiative can be implemented in schools as make-up classes and catch-up sessions in temporary learning spaces.
DLP features parallel classes, activity-based engagement, student portfolios, and a reduced homework policy. DLP was developed by Dr. Christopher Bernido, an education advocate and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, who was present during the Mancomm meeting.
DepEd’s partner Khan Academy also showcased their platform during the meeting. This aims to supplement the learners’ skills and knowledge, through the Khan PH’s online learning content.
