Wondering if how DepEd ensures learning continues during calamities?

Take for example, there’s a disaster or emergency taking place. Well, DepEd has update its policy to protect students and teachers while ensuring that learning remains uninterrupted.

DepEd Rolls Out Measure to Enhance School Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

The Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced updated measures to enhance schools’ preparedness for disasters and emergencies, prioritizing the implementation of Learning and Service Continuity Plans (LSCPs) to minimize disruptions in education delivery.

Through DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, the agency revised guidelines on class and work suspensions due to typhoons, tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, floods, earthquakes, power outages, extreme heat, low air quality, and other hazards.

The policy outlines measures to protect students and teachers while ensuring uninterrupted learning.

DepEd Requires Alternative Learning Modes During Calamities

The LSCP requires field offices and schools to adopt appropriate Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs), such as modular distance learning, online education, or blended approaches, tailored to local needs and conditions, ensuring students can continue their education during calamities.

Additionally, it mandates protocols for the safekeeping and distribution of learning materials and devices to prevent damage and ensure accessibility.

The plan also includes guidelines for deploying teachers, school leaders, and staff during emergencies, supported by capacity-building initiatives like Learning Action Cells to prepare educators for alternative teaching methods.

Partnership with Community to Ensure Adequate Implementation

Collaboration with local government units, parents, and community organizations is integral to the LSCP, ensuring adequate resources and smooth implementation of continuity plans.

Schools are also advised to incorporate disaster preparedness and recovery funding into their School Improvement Plans, ensuring resources are available for ADMs, make-up classes, and related activities.

The LSCP is to be developed every three years alongside the School Improvement Plan and reviewed annually at the start of the school year.

For more details, refer to DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, accessible at https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2024_022.pdf.