DepEd To Enforce Alternative Learning During Signal No. 2

To minimize learning disruptions during typhoons, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced that the Department of Education (DepEd) will implement a new policy requiring a shift to alternative learning modalities during Typhoon Signal No. 2.

“Now that the number of suspension of classes has been increasing because of the rainy season, one of the topics discussed during the 39th Executive Committee (Execom) meeting of DepEd and it was agreed to implement a learning continuity plan during class suspension,” Angara said in a Facebook post.

He noted that the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) recommended revising existing class suspension guidelines in response to the growing impact of climate change.

“Under the new policy, if Typhoon Signal No. 2 is declared, it will be automatic to shift to alternative learning from the homes,” Angara added.

The education secretary urged teachers, schools, parents and local government units (LGUs) to ensure learning continues despite weather-related disruptions.

DepEd is expected to release an official order soon detailing the revised guidelines on class and work suspensions during typhoons and other disasters.

Smart fund use

Angara also encouraged LGUs to practice smart and strategic spending of the Special Education Fund (SEF) as more local governments ramp up their support for education through ICT and health-related initiatives.

Angara emphasized the need for SEF spending to be transparent, community-specific and impact-driven.

“We slowly see the efforts of the LGUs, not only to utilize the funds to provide improvement to our students,” he added. 

One example he cited is the Governor Rafael Lazatin Integrated School in Angeles City, Pampanga, which recently launched two modern computer laboratories under the city’s ICT Modernization Program.

The labs are part of a broader push to enhance digital learning and reduce the student-to-computer ratio. Each outfitted with 40 computers, fiber optic internet and smart TVs among many others, the facilities mark the 16th ICT facility funded by the city through SEF.

“With faster computers, reliable internet and interactive learning platforms, we are now more engaged, collaborative and confident in developing our digital literacy and critical thinking skills,” said principal Ma. Luina Rivera.

Since the program’s launch, similar ICT improvements have been implemented in seven other public schools across Angeles City, including Angeles City National High School, Angeles City National Trade School, Northville 15 Integrated School, Governor Rafael L. Lazatin Integrated School, Malabanias Integrated School, Rafael Lazatin Memorial High School and Sapangbato National High School.

Transparency

Meanwhile, DepEd is also set to publish the names of beneficiaries of the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP) and other government assistance and subsidies (GAS) programs in a move to strengthen transparency and uphold the public’s right to information.

The initiative, announced through DepEd Memorandum 54, was in line with the recommendation of the Senate committee on basic education and constitutional mandates on full public disclosure.

“The publication of the list of learners participating in the GAS programs complies with Section 28, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates that the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure for all its transactions involving public interest,” said DepEd Assistant Secretary for finance Edson Byron Sy.

Sy clarified that the move aligns with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which seeks to strike a balance between protecting personal data and ensuring access to vital information.

“It safeguards the fundamental human right to privacy while ensuring the free flow of information to promote innovation and growth,” he noted.

In addition to SHS VP, the list will cover learners under the Educational Service Contracting and Joint Delivery Voucher Program for Technical, Vocational and Livelihood.

“The publication shall only be limited to the full names of program beneficiaries, consisting of last name, first name and middle initial. The Department shall ensure that the publication of personal data has a corresponding privacy notice to properly inform the beneficiaries of the rationale for such disclosure of personal data, their rights as data subjects and the contact details of the Department’s data protection officer, among other information,” Sy said.