Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. on Tuesday strengthened DepEd’s partnership with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to ensure prompt and science-based disaster preparedness.

In a statement, Angara said the government’s disaster response measures must be both swift and accurate.

“Kaya mahalaga ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa Phivolcs para ang bawat desisyon, mula sa pagsuspinde ng klase hanggang sa pagpapatuloy ng pag-aaral, ay nakabatay sa siyensya at hindi sa pangamba (That’s why coordination with Phivolcs is very important so that every decision, from class suspensions to learning continuity, are science-based, not from fear),” he said.

Angara said that following his visit in Cebu and Davao Oriental to assess the damage wrought by earthquakes, he understood more deeply how crucial accurate data and coordination are.

“Sa tulong ng Phivolcs, masisiguro nating ang bawat hakbang ng DepEd ay mabilis, ligtas, at may batayang siyentipiko (With the help of Phivolcs, we can ensure that every action of DepEd is swift, safe, and science-based).”

Under the strategic partnership, Phivolcs will provide training programs to capacitate DepEd regional and field offices in building integrity assessment and earthquake response, using checklist-based procedures for automatic safety alerts.

In particular, the partnership aims to ensure that all schools near fault lines are “over-engineered” to withstand strong earthquakes.

The collaboration is expected to result in a faster and more coordinated emergency response.

DepEd also proposed the establishment of a DepEd Command Center with Phivolcs, which will serve as a monitoring hub for both early warning and disaster response.

To prevent misinformation, both agencies also vowed to release science-based advisories and information materials.

Angara, however, underscored the need to balance disaster preparedness with the continuity of learning.

Temporary class suspensions, the DepEd said, must be based on Phivolcs advisories, actual on-ground situations, and the readiness of schools to continue classroom learning.

Earlier, the agency said it would ensure proper coordination with regional and division field offices to prioritize learning continuity through alternative delivery modes (ADMs), such as online or modular learning. (PNA)