DepEd ensures learning continuity through disaster recovery kits

To strengthen education amidst disasters and calamities, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to launch standardized, ready-to-go recovery kits, called ‘EduKahon’, for students and teachers.

During the launch at Tabaco National High School in Albay on August 28, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring learning continues despite disasters.

“Ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro ang unang naaapektuhan tuwing may sakuna. Sa pamamagitan ng EduKahon, tinitiyak natin na tuloy ang pag-aaral ng mga bata at hindi mapuputol ang kanilang progreso sa kabila ng mga pangyayari,” Angara said.

Inspired by UNICEF’s “School-in-a-Box” initiative, EduKahon is part of the government’s effort to replace materials and supplies destroyed by calamities and ensure schools remain resilient despite unstable weather conditions.

The kits target disaster-hit schools and cover three levels: temporary classroom equipment, instructional materials for teachers, and individual learning supplies for students.

Each EduKahon is designed for one teacher and 40 students and contains materials from all three levels.

Temporary classroom essentials include a first aid kit, solar-powered lamp with battery, megaphone or portable public address system, chairs and tables, smart TV or projector, and portable WiFi router.

Teachers receive instructional materials, a laptop and power bank, a hygiene kit, a “Go Bag,” and food.

Students are provided with school supplies, hygiene kits, emergency kits, laptops or tablets with power banks, and food.

Supplies are customized based on the specific needs of each school.

DepEd allocated Php 4 million from the Basic Education Curriculum for the program.

Its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) will handle distribution and monitoring across public schools and community learning centers.

The EduKahon program will also be integrated into the Adopt-a-School platform to allow direct support from private partners and donors.

“Muli, hinihikayat natin ang ating mga private partners na suportahan ang EduKahon. Pagtulungan po natin na mas mabilis makabalik sa pag-aaral at makabangon ang ating mga apektadong paaralan, mag-aaral, at guro,” Angara added.