DepEd Urges School Heads to Use AI Tool for Early Disaster Response

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines, under the directive of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, has urged school officials to integrate a new AI-aided hazard assessment tool, known as Project Ligtas+, into their disaster preparedness routines. This initiative aims to better protect students from learning disruptions caused by natural disasters. Project Ligtas+ stands for "Learning Institution" and focuses on assessing and mitigating disaster risks within educational facilities. The implementation of this tool is expected to enable schools to identify potential hazards early and implement appropriate countermeasures, thereby minimizing the impact on educational activities and ensuring the continuity of learning opportunities for students during disaster events. The Philippines is a region prone to frequent natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and floods, which often impact educational infrastructure. Past disasters have led to significant disruptions in the schooling of many students due to damaged school facilities and prolonged closures for evacuation. The introduction of an AI-powered risk assessment tool offers a more advanced and efficient approach to addressing these challenges. The DepEd aims to promote the widespread adoption and utilization of this tool to enhance disaster preparedness awareness and strengthen effective disaster response capabilities nationwide, ultimately boosting the overall resilience of the Philippine education system.