The Department of Education (DepEd) has ramped up its disaster preparedness efforts with the launch of the PlanSmart for Safe Schools platform and the Safer Learning Facilities Guidebook, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen school resilience against natural calamities.
“Sa utos na rin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, ang pokus natin ay kahandaan (In line with the order of President Bongbong Marcos, our focus should be preparedness),” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara. “Kailangan nating masiguro na makakaresponde ang ating mga paaralan na protektahan ang mga mag-aaral at maipagpatuloy ang edukasyon bago, habang, at matapos ang anumang sakuna (We need to ensure that our schools can respond to protect our learners and continue education before, during, and after any calamity).”
The PlanSmart for Safe Schools is a web-based contingency planning tool that uses hazard and risk data from the GeoRiskPH system. It enables schools to create contingency plans aligned with the standards of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Training sessions for school heads and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) coordinators will begin in 3,012 schools in Metro Manila this November before the nationwide rollout. The platform was developed with support from the Department of Science and Technology–Phivolcs (DOST–Phivolcs) and the World Bank.
DepEd also introduced the Pillar 1: Safer Learning Facilities Guidebook, in collaboration with UNICEF and Good Neighbors International Philippines, to help schools adopt climate-resilient, inclusive, and child-safe design and construction practices.
For post-disaster learning continuity, the department launched the Upgraded Temporary Learning Spaces (UTLS) project to enhance modular classrooms in disaster-affected areas.
“Ang kahandaan ang pundasyon ng katatagan. Kapag may sapat na kagamitan, pagsasanay, at pasilidad ang ating mga paaralan, makakatiyak tayo na magpapatuloy ang pag-aaral kahit sa gitna ng sakuna (Preparedness is the foundation of resilience. When there are adequate tools, training, and facilities in our schools, we can be assured that students can continue learning despite disasters),” Angara added.
DepEd will also pilot the M7X School Ready Program in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon to strengthen earthquake preparedness, particularly for a possible magnitude 7.2 quake from the West Valley Fault. Schools that meet safety standards will receive an M7.2 Ready School Seal as certification of their readiness.
