DepEd orders schools to brace for disruptions as Rosal approaches

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has directed schools and Schools Division Offices (SDOs) in areas potentially affected by Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) to activate disaster preparedness and learning continuity measures as the powerful cyclone moves toward Northern Luzon.

In its preparedness advisory issued at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, DepEd emphasized the need to safeguard learners, teachers, and school personnel while ensuring that education can continue despite possible weather-related class suspensions.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Rosal was packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching 240 kph.

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As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the typhoon’s center was estimated at 1,270 kilometers east of Central Luzon, moving west-northwestward at 25 kph.

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Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and portions of Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Isabela, and Catanduanes.

Under Signal No. 1, winds of 39 to 61 kph may be experienced within a warning lead time of 36 hours, posing minimal to minor threats to life and property.

Although Western Visayas was not among the areas placed under tropical cyclone wind signals in the advisory, DepEd’s preparedness measures provide guidance to schools nationwide in planning for weather-related disruptions.

Flexible learning

Citing DepEd Order No. 014, series of 2026, the department instructed schools to assess local conditions and learners’ readiness before determining appropriate learning continuity arrangements.

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The advisory introduced three levels of learning continuity measures designed to balance educational needs with the safety and well-being of learners.

Under Hinay (Ease-in), schools may continue essential learning activities with reduced academic pressure through printed or digital modules and other resources appropriate to learners’ connectivity and home circumstances.

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Hinga (Check-in) prioritizes learners’ emotional and psychological well-being through light learning activities, short learning packets, and family guidance without strict curriculum pacing.

Meanwhile, Hinto (Stop) allows the suspension of all academic requirements to prioritize safety, communication, and well-being checks.

DepEd clarified that class suspensions do not automatically require online learning, particularly in communities where internet connectivity, electricity, and other essential services may be disrupted.

Schools are instead expected to adopt arrangements suited to their respective circumstances and existing Learning and Service Continuity Plans.

Activate disaster teams

The DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) also urged affected schools and SDOs to continuously monitor official weather bulletins and promptly disseminate information to learners, parents, teachers, and other school personnel.

School officials were instructed to ensure that communication channels remain operational and activate School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management teams and contingency plans when necessary.

Coordination with local government units and disaster risk reduction and management councils was likewise emphasized to strengthen emergency preparedness and response.

Schools were also advised to secure classrooms, school facilities, learning materials, and equipment against possible damage.

DepEd further directed the prepositioning of Edukahon and other learning resources, in accordance with DepEd Memorandum No. 86, series of 2025, alongside emergency supplies needed during disasters.

The department reiterated that the safety and well-being of learners and education personnel must take precedence over academic requirements during emergencies.

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DepEd urged school administrators to remain vigilant, coordinate closely with local authorities, and communicate learning arrangements to families as weather conditions develop. /cb