The Department of Education (DepEd) issued a memorandum on Monday, detailing measures to ensure the safety of teachers and learners while addressing the disruptions caused by recent storms, including Super Typhoon ‘Pepito.’
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara signed a memo based on DepEd Order No. 033, s. 2021, which outlines school-based disaster preparedness and response protocols, the department emphasized the importance of assessing damages and ensuring learning continuity.
The order covers measures to safeguard teachers and learners, evaluate infrastructure and non-infrastructure damages, and ensure the continuity of education for affected students, according to the DepEd statement.
Key directives to all DepEd-supervised schools include coordination with their local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMO) to report casualties or displaced personnel and learners, as well as the conduct of rapid assessments of storm-related damages to facilities.
Regional offices (ROs) and schools division offices (SDOs) are required to submit daily situation reports by 9:00 a.m., which must include information on the:
· suspension and resumption dates of in-person classes
· status of schools used as evacuation centers
· flood and landslide impacts on facilities
· needs of affected learners and personnel
· plans for learning recovery
The DepEd urged schools to collaborate with their local government units (LGUs) to expedite cleaning and repairs of damaged facilities. The department also encouraged the use of community learning spaces to minimize disruptions in education.
