The Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening its operational protocols to help schools prepare for and respond to the potential effects of the El Niño phenomenon on the education sector.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the department’s strategy includes continuous risk assessments, updating contingency plans, and preparing flexible learning options to protect learners, teachers, and DepEd personnel while ensuring learning continuity.

Angara also said the department is strengthening climate change education in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directives on climate resilience.

DepEd personnel have been instructed to accelerate the integration of climate change concepts into the basic education curriculum and learning competencies to support the government’s environmental resilience agenda.

The education chief likewise directed schools to prioritize the establishment and improvement of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, ensure access to safe drinking water, maintain water pipes, and improve classroom ventilation ahead of the hotter months.

Report by RH Edniel Parrosa

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