THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) is expanding its response to communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao through additional funding, learning support, and assistance for affected personnel.

DepEd has allocated an additional P10 million for the implementation of the EduKahon program, the deployment of 100 EduKahon learning kits to evacuation centers, and expanded financial assistance for affected employees.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara approved the release of P10 million to support the EduKahon program in the Schools Division Offices of Sarangani and General Santos City, with P5 million allocated to each division.

According to DepEd, the funding will strengthen learning continuity initiatives and provide educational support to learners whose education has been disrupted by the earthquake.

To further support displaced learners, DepEd is deploying 100 EduKahon learning kits to evacuation centers in the affected areas. Of the total, 80 kits have been delivered to the Schools Division Office of Sarangani, while 20 kits have been sent to the Schools Division Office of General Santos City. The kits will help establish child-friendly learning spaces where learners can safely continue their education as communities recover.

“Every disaster disrupts not only homes but also learning. Kailangang maibalik din natin ang pag-asa ng ating mga mag-aaral. Sa pamamagitan ng EduKahon, ipinapakita nating kahit nasa evacuation center, tuloy ang pagkatuto at tuloy ang pangarap,” Angara said.

The EduKahon contains essential learning and teaching materials, including whiteboards, markers, paper, first aid kits, laptops, and communication devices, all designed to support learning continuity during emergencies and other disruptions.

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