Two weeks of heavy and persistent rains that triggered severe flooding across parts of Luzon in the Philippines forced local government units to suspend classes to ensure the safety of students.
However, a study published in the International Journal of Educational Development highlights the academic toll of frequent weather-related school suspensions on students and teachers.
The research, authored by Paola Palacios and Libardo Rojas-Velásquez, examined how unscheduled class cancellations disrupt instructional continuity, compress curricula, and widen achievement gaps—particularly among vulnerable learners.
The researchers explained that typhoon-induced suspensions leave educators with limited time to adjust lesson plans.
The study found that these disruptions lead to the loss of instructional days, making it difficult for teachers to cover core competencies ahead of national assessments. As a result, lessons are often rushed or skipped.
Students from low-income households are the most affected, as many lack reliable internet access, study materials, or quiet learning spaces during disaster recovery.
As climate-related suspensions become more frequent, consecutive class cancellations create a cumulative learning deficit, making it harder for students to catch up once classes resume.
To mitigate the impact of extreme weather on learning, the researchers urged policymakers to move beyond emergency response and invest in long-term resilience.
The study recommends expanding access to self-learning modules and offline digital tools so students can continue studying even when in-person classes are suspended.
It also suggests streamlining the national curriculum during typhoon season to ensure that essential skills are prioritized.
In addition, the researchers said remedial sessions should be implemented for at-risk students once schools safely reopen.
By embedding disaster preparedness into academic planning, the researchers said education authorities can ensure that safety measures during severe storms do not come at the long-term expense of students’ learning. – Photo from DepEd Pinagbarilan Integrated School
