THE DEPARTMENT of Education has intensified efforts to restore learning in areas hit by Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino through clearing operations and the implementation of alternative delivery mode (ADM) to minimize disruptions.

“Hindi tayo titigil sa pag-aayos ng mga paaralan, sa pagbibigay ng alternatibong paraan ng pag-aaral, at sa pagbabalik ng bawat bata sa kanilang karapatan sa edukasyon nang ligtas at mabilis (We will not stop repairing schools, providing alternative ways of learning, and restoring every child to their right to education safely and quickly),” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a press release Tuesday.

The DepEd said the urgency of restoring education was underscored during the ground inspection conducted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Angara in Bicol on Tuesday.

Among those visited was the Cararayan-Naga Elementary School in Tiwi, Albay, before proceeding to a situation briefing detailing the extent of destruction caused by the typhoons.

During the nationwide Management Committee (MANCOM) meeting in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan on Monday, DepEd officials highlighted how regional offices prepared ahead of the storms and are now sustaining education in the hardest-hit areas.

With 807 schools or an equivalent of 5,742 classrooms damaged, Region 5 (Bicol) was reported to have experienced the most severe impact.

Of the number, DepEd said 743 classrooms were totally destroyed.

In Albay, a total of 237 classrooms were completely damaged, 229 in Masbate, and 190 in Catanduanes.

A total of 1,307 classrooms sustained major damage, while 3,664 classrooms incurred minor damage.

DepEd has already released PHP326 million to Bicol for the repair of 1,319 schools.

It said additional funds for clean-up, clearing operations, and minor repairs are expected to be downloaded within the week.

The department said preparations began days before Uwan made landfall, with self-learning modules, learning activity sheets, and Dynamic Learning Program materials pre-positioned to allow students to continue lessons despite power outages, flooding, and blocked roads.

These measures have allowed the region’s schools to resume instruction quickly after the storms.

As of Nov. 12, most regions have resumed face-to-face classes, including schools previously used as evacuation centers.

In areas where access remains challenging, blended learning setups using online lessons, printed modules, and SMS-based instruction were implemented, depending on their connectivity and other local conditions.

DepEd said early-warning systems and pre-distributed learning materials helped reduce class interruptions.

Meanwhile, the department plans to construct upgraded temporary learning spaces for schools with major or total damage, expand ADM training for teachers, and strengthen coordination with local governments.

Officials, meanwhile, underscored the importance of continued psychosocial support and efficient use of preparedness funds to accelerate recovery. (PNA)