The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its attached agency, DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), is ready to extend technical assistance to the Department of Education (DepED) in strengthening science-based preparedness and response in different schools in the country.
This initiative comes in the wake of recent earthquakes that struck Cebu and Davao Oriental and aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that decisions such as class suspensions are guided by scientific data, localized risk assessments, and established safety standards.
In a meeting held on Tuesday at the DepEd Office in Makati City to discuss matters related to enhancing disaster preparedness, DepEd and DOST discussed the need to “over-engineer” or build structure beyond standard structural requirements to ensure schools located along and near fault lines withstand strong earthquakes.
“Science plays a vital role in ensuring that our decisions during disasters are not only quick but also precise. Through close collaboration with the Department of Education, we aim to strengthen disaster preparedness in schools, ensuring that safety protocols and class suspensions are always guided by data and evidence,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.
Solidum believes that its partnership with DepED through DOST-PHIVOLCS will allow the science department to bring hazard information and risk assessments closer to the education sector.
“By equipping DepEd personnel, especially our teachers and school administrators, with scientific knowledge and tools, we can help schools make informed decisions that protect lives while supporting the continuity of learning,”
Solidum emphasized that preparedness must start with understanding the principles shared by DOST and PHIVOLCS in building a culture of disaster readiness built on science—where students, teachers, and school officials act decisively based on the right knowledge to prevent catastrophes.
Meanwhile, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara shared Solidum’s view that in times of disasters, actions must not only be prompt but also precise. Hence, coordination with PHIVOLCS is deemed essential to ensure that every decision—from the suspension of classes to the continuation of learning—is guided by science.
“Nang makita ko mismo ang pinsala ng lindol sa Cebu at Davao Oriental, mas napatunayan nating mahalaga ang tamang datos at koordinasyon. Sa tulong ng PHIVOLCS, masisiguro nating ang bawat hakbang ng DepEd ay mabilis, ligtas, at may batayang siyentipiko,” Angara said.
DepEd also expressed the need for partnership with DOST-PHIVOLCS to conduct training programs that will strengthen the capacity of regional and field offices in assessing building stability and responding appropriately during earthquakes. DepEd also proposed the establishment of a DepEd Command Center in coordination with DOST-PHIVOLCS, which will serve as a monitoring hub for disaster response and early warning.
DepEd personnel may also be trained to use checklist-based procedures that can automatically send alerts once specific risk conditions are detected, ensuring faster and more coordinated responses during emergencies.
DepEd and DOST-PHIVOLCS likewise agreed to strengthen coordination in issuing scientific advisories and information materials to maintain public trust and prevent misinformation during crises.
Angara also emphasized that preparedness must always go hand-in-hand with learning continuity measures.
Under DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024, or the Revised Guidelines on Class and Work Suspension in Schools During Disasters and Emergencies, the authority to suspend classes rests with the Local Chief Executive (LCE), Schools Division Superintendent (SDS), and school principals. DepEd underscores that such decisions must be based on
PHIVOLCS advisories, actual on-ground conditions, and the school’s readiness to immediately resume learning.
In connection with this, DepEd also highlighted DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2015, which directs Regional Offices to monitor prevention, mitigation, and preparedness measures to ensure continuous learning even when schools are affected by disasters.
DepEd reiterated that preventive suspensions should serve as a signal to immediately implement alternative delivery modes such as modular, online, or take-home learning while safety inspections are being conducted. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal and with Information from DepED Philippines)
