THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) has launched rapid disaster response operations and identified immediate recovery needs following severe disruptions caused by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), enhanced by Tropical Cyclone Maymay.

Based on assessments as of August 14, the weather system has affected eight regions covering 73 DepEd divisions. Around 8.4 million learners and 365,308 DepEd personnel have been affected by disruptions to daily educational activities, with in-person classes suspended in 12,477 public schools.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that while the safety of learners, teachers, and personnel remains the Department’s top priority, DepEd is also moving swiftly to minimize learning loss and restore damaged school facilities.

“Unang-una sa lahat, ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mag-aaral, guro, at kawani ang aming pangunahing prayoridad. Ngunit habang sinisiguro natin ang kanilang seguridad, hindi natin pwedeng hayaang matigil nang matagal ang pag-aaral ng ating mga kabataan,” Angara said.

“Ginagawa ng DepEd ang lahat para makabalik agad sa ligtas na pag-aaral ang ating mga estudyante,” he added.

To ensure the continuity of learning, the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service has begun processing an initial P19.14 million in recovery funds.

The disaster recovery framework covers funding for cleanup and clearing operations in 1,244 affected schools, as well as minor repairs to restore 4,259 classrooms that sustained minor structural damage.