DepEd eyes solutions to class disruptions during natural disasters

The Department of Education (DepEd) said Monday it will start implementing a new program this November to mitigate learning losses among students affected by typhoons and other natural disasters.

According to DepEd, the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) initiative is designed to address class disruptions caused by natural disasters and other challenges “by promoting independent, resource-efficient learning.”

With this, affected schools will have the flexibility to conduct make-up classes and utilize DLP learning activity sheets in temporary learning spaces. These activity sheets are designed to be “simple, targeted, and adaptable,” said the agency. 

The program’s pilot implementation will begin this November in disaster-affected schools in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and Cordillera Administrative Region. 

“We’re bringing resilience to the heart of learning so that no student’s education has to pause when challenges arise,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement. 

DepEd said that the implementation of DLP is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on having a proactive learning continuity measure during disaster and emergency situations.

The program features parallel classes, activity-based engagement, student portfolios, and a reduced homework policy. It also encourages learners to delve into lessons and build essential skills such as writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Typhoon impact

As of Monday, DepEd’s partial data showed that Super Typhoon Leon has affected 3,970,222 learners and 181,270 teaching and non-teaching personnel in over 10,000 schools nationwide. 

Leon also left P396 million worth of infrastructure damage—of which P282.50 million is needed for the reconstruction of classrooms and P113.50 million for the major repairs. 

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, meanwhile, brought P3.7 billion worth of infrastructure damage in schools as of October 28 data. 

It affected over 19 million students in 38,333 schools across the country.—LDF, GMA Integrated News