In response to the recent passage of the national budget, the Department of Education (DepEd) has vowed to intensify its efforts to ensure uninterrupted learning and safeguard the welfare of students and teachers nationwide.
Strengthening Systems After a Devastating 2025
Secretary Sonny Angara, in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, emphasized that the department is accelerating system preparedness and coordination efforts. The focus remains on bolstering the delivery of education, particularly in areas severely impacted by a series of major natural disasters in 2025. These events critically tested the resilience of school infrastructure across the country.
Angara stated that alongside educational delivery, prioritizing the health and safety of school communities is paramount. The department's data reveals the staggering impact of Super Typhoon Uwan alone, which damaged 2,953 schools, affected nearly 10,400 classrooms, and forced class suspensions ranging from several days to weeks in various localities.
Rapid Solutions: Learning Continuity Spaces
To address the immediate shortage of permanent learning facilities, Secretary Angara highlighted the importance of fast and practical solutions. A key initiative is the construction of Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS). These are temporary structures designed to be completed within just a few weeks, allowing classes to resume while damaged school buildings are being repaired or rebuilt.
The department is already moving forward with this plan. "We are now processing the procurement of 133 LCS units for 127 sites across the country," Angara announced. These units will be deployed primarily in regions frequently hit by typhoons and earthquakes, with contracts targeted for award within the first quarter of 2026.
A Commitment to a Resilient Future
Supported by the expanded P1.015-trillion budget for 2026, the DepEd reaffirms its commitment to building a more robust, inclusive, and learner-centered education system. This commitment is seen as essential to overcoming the growing challenges posed by natural disasters. The strategy involves not just recovery, but creating a framework that minimizes future disruptions to Filipino students' education.
The department's dual focus on rapid temporary solutions and long-term system strengthening underscores a proactive approach to educational continuity in an era of increasing climate-related risks.
