DepEd: Repair of classrooms to be prioritized under 2026 budget
Education Sec. Juan Edgardo Angara —PHOTO FROM DEPED FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Tuesday that it will prioritize the repair of classrooms that were destroyed by calamities last year, as well as the welfare of students and teachers, after it received a record allocation of P1.015 trillion in the 2026 national budget.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said they will focus on strengthening learning continuity in areas affected by typhoons and earthquakes in 2025, while ensuring the mental health of both learners and teachers.
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He cited in particular Supertyphoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), which damaged a total of 2,953 schools in affected areas. In addition, 10,400 classrooms “sustained varying degrees of damage, leading to the suspension of classes for days and even weeks.”
“We may have faced a lot of challenges in the past year—especially during calamities that affected the learning of our students—and this time, we will push for the learning continuity of our schools,” Angara said.
Learning Continuity Spaces
Under the 2026 budget, Angara said an allocation, which he did not specify, was made for the establishment of Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) that can be constructed “within a matter of weeks.”
He added that a total of 133 LCS units were being procured across 127 sites nationwide for this year. The LCS is a temporary space that can be used as a classroom, especially in areas heavily affected by calamities.
According to Angara, the DepEd is also studying ways to enhance all LCS units, including installing window shutters or storm guards to prevent any incidents of glass breakage due to strong winds caused by typhoons.
The DepEd will also continue the implementation of alternative delivery modalities, especially in areas affected by calamities, to ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of teachers and their students. INQ
“It is important for us to ensure the continuity of learning among students even if a calamity has just [happened],” Angara said. “Rest assured that the agency will take steps to address the needs of our schools, with consideration of the current situation.”
Another priority of the DepEd will be the drafting of a policy to promote “safe, inclusive and motivating learning environment” in schools as part of the agency’s anti-bullying program. /cb
