When classes are disrupted by typhoons, floods, or earthquakes, Filipino teachers, principals, and school heads face one big question: How do we keep our learners safe while making sure education continues?
The Department of Education (DepEd), through Memorandum No. 072, s. 2025, reminds us of the importance of balancing safety, learning continuity, and protection of school properties during disasters and emergencies. But as school leaders and teachers on the ground, what does this mean for us in practical terms?
This guide breaks down the memo into clear, actionable steps that every school head, teacher, and education leader can follow—so that when the storm hits, learning doesn’t stop.
Why This Matters to Every Teacher and School Head
If you’ve ever managed a classroom during heavy rains or worried about your school’s computer lab during a flood, you already know the stakes.
Learners need continuous education—because long gaps in learning make it harder for students to recover.
Teachers need clear strategies—so they can adapt without burning out.
School leaders need systems—to protect facilities, report effectively, and ensure accountability.
In short, this isn’t just about policies—it’s about protecting lives, education, and resources.
1. Safety First: Protecting Learners and Personnel
When disaster strikes, safety must come before everything else.
DepEd reminds schools to coordinate closely with local authorities and follow existing disaster risk reduction protocols. For teachers and principals, this means:
Following LGU announcements on suspensions strictly.
Activating school disaster response teams where available.
Making sure learners know safety drills—not just during "Disaster Preparedness Month," but all year round.
Setting up clear communication channels with parents (SMS groups, Messenger chats, school pages).
Remember: No learning activity is worth risking the safety of learners and teachers.
2. Ensuring Learning Continuity with Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs)
Suspended classes don’t mean learning has to stop. DepEd emphasizes the use of ADMs (Alternative Delivery Modes), such as:
Modular learning – printed modules sent home.
Online learning – when internet access is reliable.
Blended learning – a mix of modular, online, or even radio/TV-based learning.
For teachers, this means preparing backup lesson plans and ready-to-use modules in advance. For school heads, it means supporting teachers with training and resources so they can adapt quickly.
👉 Tip: Try simple, low-tech solutions. For example, some schools use community drop-off points (barangay halls, sari-sari stores) where parents can pick up and return modules safely.
3. Protecting School Properties and Resources
Floods, typhoons, and earthquakes can destroy years’ worth of investment in books, computers, and teaching materials. DepEd calls on schools to safekeep devices, equipment, and supplies.
Practical ways schools can do this:
Elevate computers and electrical equipment before floods.
Store teaching materials in waterproof containers.
Designate a secure storage room for critical resources.
Create an inventory checklist before and after disasters.
This is not just about saving money—it’s about ensuring resources are ready when classes resume.
4. Reporting and Documentation: Why It Matters
During and after disasters, timely reports help DepEd and local offices understand what schools need. According to the memo, reports should include:
Which ADMs were implemented (modular, online, blended).
Challenges faced by learners, teachers, and personnel.
Other key updates that may affect continuity.
As a teacher or school head, you might feel this is "extra work," but reporting is critical. Why? Because documented challenges lead to real solutions—from additional resources to policy improvements.
5. Supporting Teachers and Personnel
One overlooked point in the memo: teachers and personnel who work during suspensions are entitled to service credits or overtime pay.
This acknowledgment is important. Teachers often:
Help prepare schools as evacuation centers.
Secure classrooms and school properties.
Continue lesson preparation and module distribution.
Recognizing and compensating this extra effort helps prevent burnout and ensures teachers feel valued.
Bringing It All Together
Disasters are part of life in the Philippines. But with the right systems, schools can:
Keep learners safe.
Ensure education continues.
Protect valuable resources.
Support teachers and staff fairly.
DepEd Memorandum No. 072, s. 2025, is more than just another directive—it’s a practical guide for resilience. By taking these lessons to heart, every school head, teacher, and parent can help turn crises into opportunities for stronger, more prepared learning communities.
Call-to-Action
How is your school preparing for disasters this year? Share your best practices, challenges, or creative solutions in the comments below. Let’s build a stronger, safer education system—together.