Education Department Responds to Typhoon Damage
The Department of Education (DepEd) is actively managing a dual crisis, continuing recovery efforts in schools devastated by Typhoon Tino while simultaneously preparing for the potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Uwan. The announcement was made on Friday, November 7, 2025, as the department assessed the widespread damage to the education sector.
Immediate Relief and Learning Continuity
To ensure that learning is not disrupted for affected students, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has directed the deployment of EduKahon kits and alternative learning materials to schools impacted by the typhoon. The department is also utilizing Dynamic Learning Program Learning Activity Sheets (DLP-LAS) to provide educational resources during emergencies.
Further supporting this mission, DepEd TV will broadcast educational content through a partnership with the Knowledge Channel and Solar Pictures, offering a television-based learning solution for students without access to physical classrooms.
Massive Rehabilitation and Funding Needs
The scale of the damage is significant. According to DepEd's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), the financial requirement for recovery is substantial. The agency needs PHP 1.86 billion for minor classroom repairs and an additional PHP 30.63 million for cleanup and clearing operations across 407 affected schools.
Secretary Angara emphasized that the safety and welfare of learners is the top priority. "This is about rebuilding hope and stability for our learners. Our priority is safety, and the quick restoration of learning spaces," he stated. He also affirmed DepEd's commitment to collaboration, saying, "DepEd will continue working with local governments, partners, and communities so that no child is left behind in the aftermath of any disaster."
The human impact is equally staggering. As of 12 noon on Friday, reports indicated that over 1.9 million learners and 80,000 teaching and non-teaching personnel were affected. Class suspensions were implemented in 3,478 public schools across 22 divisions. The physical infrastructure has also suffered, with at least 3,260 classrooms sustaining various levels of damage. One of the severely damaged institutions is the Barangay Sta. Rita National High School in Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands.
