THE Department of Education yesterday said measures are in place to prevent or address learning loss due to class suspensions.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said that while safety is their primary concern, learning continuity must also be part of every decision on the suspension of classes.
Among the measures that Angara said the DepEd has put in place are the deployment of mobile modular continuity classrooms that will replace temporary learning spaces in areas hit by natural calamities.
Angara said it will be rolled out next month in “high-risk” zones in the country.
Another is the LIGTAS AI-powered system that predicts geohazard risks.
Angara said the upgraded system will be made available by the third quarter of 2025.
Another measure is the Learning and service continuity plans, which include the utilization of Alternative Delivery Modes like self-learning modules and online platforms.
The fourth is by empowering school heads to declare localized suspensions even without a declaration by local officials.
An omnibus flexible learning policy will also be institutionalized across grade levels to create one-stop shops for schools to access support services, materials, and guidance.
Angara said the DepEd will also provide tablets to learners in disaster-prone areas to ensure continuity in learning.
With this, Angara reminded school officials and local governments to be prudent in declaring class suspensions to avoid unnecessary learning gaps.
“So, sana huwag basta-basta lang mag-declare ng cancellations sa baba unless talagang hirap na hirap pumasok,” the DepEd chief added.
