Education in Crisis, Compassion in Action: DepEd Mobilizes Lifeline for Schools and Personnel Ravaged by Typhoons

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the wake of destruction brought by Tropical Depression Dante, Tropical Storm Emong, and the relentless Habagat rains, the Department of Education (DepEd) has risen to meet one of the gravest tests to the nation’s academic continuity. With floodwaters still receding and classrooms battered by wind and rain, the call to rebuild—and to protect the future of learning—has never been louder.

On July 24, 2025, in the heart of Makati City, DepEd drew a clear line in the mud left by devastation: No Filipino learner, teacher, or school shall be left behind.

At the center of this renewed national commitment is Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the country’s top disaster response officials in a high-level National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting. Their mission: mobilize immediate, targeted aid and accelerate recovery in the hardest-hit educational zones.

“The President is deeply concerned not only for the safety of our learners and personnel but also for the continuity of their education,” said Secretary Angara. “Hindi po natin pababayaan ang ating mga paaralan, guro, at estudyante sa gitna ng kalamidad. We will do everything to help them rise, rebuild, and resume their vital mission of education.”

Numbers That Tell a Story of Loss—and Resolve

As of July 23, 6:00 PM, the damage assessment paints a sobering picture:

1,876 classrooms sustained minor damage

562 classrooms reported major structural damage

531 classrooms are totally wrecked, beyond salvage

232 hygiene facilities—critical for post-pandemic sanitation—were damaged

But behind every number is a story: a teacher trying to save books from rising waters, a child whose only classroom is now a pile of debris, a community gathering under makeshift tarpaulins to preserve a semblance of learning.

Rapid Response, Concrete Support

The Department’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) has initiated an urgent rollout of response funds for cleanup and clearing operations. Regional and division offices have activated contingency plans, safeguarded learning materials, and intensified coordination with local disaster councils.

Infrastructure recovery is being fast-tracked in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), with Quick Response Funds (QRF) set to fuel rebuilding efforts in ravaged schools.

Moreover, DepEd is leveraging its collaboration with the GSIS and the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) under the National Indemnity Insurance Program (NIIP) to ensure that public school buildings have access to comprehensive insurance coverage. This guarantees compensation for destruction caused by natural disasters, lightning, and fire.

Aid Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Compassion for Educators

Recognizing that disasters affect not just structures but the very people who sustain the education system, DepEd has expanded its support for personnel:

Teachers and staff in calamity-declared areas may now avail of DepEd’s Provident Fund Loan

Calamity Leave of 30 days is available for affected personnel

GSIS Calamity Loans are being processed with the help of DepEd’s Human Resource units

For those who suffered physical harm, the Group Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) policy covers up to ₱100,000 in case of accidental death or dismemberment, and up to ₱30,000 for accident-related medical treatment

This all-hands-on-deck approach underscores a fundamental truth: education cannot wait—not even in the face of a calamity. And no teacher, staff member, or student should face this hardship alone.

A Nation Rebuilding, One Classroom at a Time

In every typhoon that passes, every flood that recedes, and every chalkboard that gets wiped clean for a new day, there lies the collective spirit of resilience. DepEd’s swift and multi-layered response affirms that education is not just about lessons learned in school—it’s about the unwavering commitment to learning even in the darkest of times.

As the Department continues to work closely with regional offices and frontline educators, the message is clear: hope survives in every rebuilt classroom, and the future remains firmly in our grasp.

The storm may have tried to silence the voices of learning, but DepEd, under Secretary Angara’s leadership, is ensuring they are heard louder than ever before.

Wazzup Pilipinas is proud to stand with every Filipino learner, educator, and school that dares to dream, rebuild, and rise again.

Filipino Youth Shine a Light on Displacement and Hope at the 3rd UNHCR Refugee Film Festival

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Amid rising global conflicts and crises that continue to displace millions, a powerful wave of storytelling surged from the heart of Manila as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Philippines held its 3rd Refugee Film Festival. The event, hosted at San Beda University-Manila's Abbot Lopez Hall, was more than just a cinematic celebration—it was a resonant call for empathy, inclusion, and hope, crafted by the voices of the Filipino youth.

With the stirring theme “Strengthening Spaces of Resilience and Hope,” the festival became a sanctuary of stories that matter. From a highly competitive pool of 39 entries, three standout films emerged, shaking audiences with raw emotion and unflinching honesty.

Championing the Voiceless: “Sa Simula ng Wala”

Taking the coveted first prize was “Sa Simula ng Wala” by Daghili Pictures from the University of Makati. This short documentary follows the journey of an adult foundling navigating life without legal identity—an invisible soul in a bureaucratic world. It lays bare the harrowing limbo faced by many undocumented individuals in the Philippines, exploring themes of abandonment, survival, and the human hunger for belonging.

The film was brought to life by an inspired team of 4th year Bachelor of Multimedia Arts students—Edward John Louis Factes and Ysamae Yrrah Carelo as directors, alongside Amariah Cajuday, Pauline Nicole Castillo, Maria Cris De Dios, Jefford Leigh Trajano, and Jaklyn Marie Segaya. Guided by their mentor Prof. Eduard Riparip, the team dared to speak for those who are too often silenced.

Echoes of the Displaced: “Wala’y Dagat Dinhi”

Claiming second place, “Wala’y Dagat Dinhi” (“There is No Sea Here”) by Pelikulang Daluyong of Laguna University, helmed by director Ken Bryan Delizo and fellow BA Communication students, delves into the harrowing existence of internally displaced persons. Told through haunting visuals and poignant storytelling, the film portrays how the absence of home can drown the soul even in the absence of water.

A Taste of Memory: “Akong Paboritong Pastil”

Rounding out the top three, “Akong Paboritong Pastil” (“My Favorite Pastil”) by Duwende Films from Davao, directed by Ingrid Silfverberg and co-produced by Franky Arrocena, serves a humble yet powerful narrative. Using the regional delicacy pastil as a symbol of identity, the film navigates themes of displacement, culture, and memory—a sensory journey into what it means to be uprooted and yet resilient.

Global Stories, Local Voices

The festival opened with a screening of “We Dare to Dream” by Waad Al-Kateab, chronicling the lives of refugee athletes chasing Olympic glory—a poignant reminder that ambition and hope thrive even in exile. The audience was then transported to Nova Scotia through “Peace by Chocolate”, a Canadian film based on the real-life story of a Syrian refugee family who found healing and purpose through the art of chocolate-making.

These international screenings were followed by heartfelt talkback sessions featuring refugees, advocates, professors, and experts, allowing for meaningful dialogue and deeper understanding of the refugee crisis both globally and within the Philippines.

Judging Stories That Matter

The gravity and grace of these youth-produced films were evaluated by a distinguished panel:

Atom Araullo, broadcast journalist and UNHCR Philippines Goodwill Ambassador

Ditsi Carolino, award-winning documentary filmmaker

Prof. Gregorio Borja III, Chairperson of Marketing Management at San Beda University

State Counsel Angelica Rose Dimalanta of the DOJ’s Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit

Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of the National Office, UNHCR Philippines

Their combined experience in journalism, law, education, and film brought depth and compassion to the selection process.

Collaboration for Compassion

Behind the success of the Refugee Film Festival is a collaborative tapestry of organizations: UNHCR Philippines, DOJ-RSPPU, Pathways Pilipinas, San Beda University-Manila, and Uniqlo Philippines. Together, they made this platform possible—not just to screen films, but to build bridges between displaced communities and those privileged to have a place to call home.

Beyond the Screen: Toward Action and Awareness

Held in celebration of World Refugee Day, the festival did more than award excellence in film—it illuminated truths often ignored. Through the eyes of the youth, these stories brought urgency and empathy to the challenges faced by refugees and stateless persons, reinforcing UNHCR’s core mission: to protect rights, save lives, and create a future for all those forced to flee.

As the final credits rolled and applause echoed through Abbot Lopez Hall, one truth stood tall: When given the space to speak, the youth do not merely tell stories—they ignite movements. And through film, they’ve begun to rewrite the narrative of displacement into one of resilience, justice, and hope.

Reel Power: FDCP, PACE, and Mapúa University Unite to Revolutionize Film Education in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a stirring testament to the enduring power of cinema and education, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in partnership with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) and Mapúa University, rolled out one of the most ambitious initiatives for Filipino educators this year — the FDCP x PACE: Training the Teachers program. Held this July at the state-of-the-art Mapúa University Makati campus, the program gathered over 130 educators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao under one roof, united by a single goal: to empower those who teach film to inspire the next generation of storytellers.

In an era where digital disruption and content oversaturation challenge the traditional classroom, this collaborative program sought not just to adapt to the changing times but to lead the evolution. Through immersive sessions on film appreciation, screenwriting, production, animation, and global cinema, the FDCP x PACE initiative served as a clarion call: Film education in the Philippines is undergoing a renaissance.

A Golden Opportunity, A Historic Moment

The program opened with a symbolic confluence of leadership and legacy. PACE President Mark Lester Del Mundo Chico, FDCP Technical Consultant Seymour Sanchez, and Mapúa University Board of Trustees member Yvonne Yuchengco delivered the welcome remarks, setting the tone for an event that would redefine how film is taught across the archipelago.

Chico, whose organization is celebrating its 50th founding anniversary, underscored the urgency of this milestone. “What better way to celebrate our golden year than to give our educators gold — golden knowledge, golden experiences, and golden connections,” he said. “Our educators are the bridge between the industry’s past and the filmmakers of the future.”

Reyes Inspires: The Teacher as Nation-Builder

No one could have framed that vision more eloquently than FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes, who opened the educational sessions with a resounding message: “The study of film is not merely about aesthetics or technique — it is about culture, identity, and history.”

In his keynote titled “The Film Teacher and the Study of National Culture and History,” Reyes reminded the audience that every frame of film is a mirror of our collective soul. As the country’s film czar and a respected filmmaker himself, his words struck chords with every teacher present, reaffirming their pivotal role in nation-building through education.

Cinematic Excellence: Honoring the Past, Training for the Future

A highlight of the program was the screening of the iconic “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” the Lino Brocka masterpiece celebrating its 50th anniversary. Written by Clodualdo “Doy” Del Mundo Jr., a former PACE Board of Trustees member, the neo-noir classic was dissected in a masterful analysis led by Dr. Roland Tolentino and Dr. Anne Frances Sangil, both members of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, with moderation by MPP Chairperson Dr. Shirley Lua. Their insights transcended technical critique, delving into the film’s sociopolitical relevance and historical significance.

Training in the Trenches: Practical Knowledge from Industry Titans

No stone was left unturned in the training's curriculum. Filipino Screenwriters Guild members Dustin Celestino and Giancarlo Abrahan conducted a riveting crash course on story development and scriptwriting, while Khaye Medina and Mica Oliveros delivered insider perspectives on production management and the often overlooked but critical role of producers.

Award-winning documentarians Adjani Arumpac (UP Film Institute) and Kristoffer Brugada (De La Salle University) tackled the art and ethics of documentary filmmaking in a forum moderated by Mapúa’s own She Andes, head of the Digital Film program. Meanwhile, the dynamic realm of animation came alive with insights from Avid Liongoren (“Saving Sally”), Carl Joseph Papa (“Iti Mapukpukaw”), and Eru Petrasanta, with filmmaker and DGPI president Keith Sicat guiding the conversation.

Beyond the Borders: Exploring Global Cinema

True to its commitment to widen perspectives, the program featured a screening of “Anatomy of a Fall,” a Cannes Palme d’Or winner, followed by a discussion with Dr. Patrick Campos and Tito Valiente, moderated by acclaimed critic Jason Tan Liwag. The session was a masterclass in connecting local sensibilities with global cinematic trends — a reminder that Filipino educators and filmmakers must not only tell our stories but also engage with the world’s narratives.

Creativity in Action: From Lenses to Edits

Veteran cinematographer Lee Briones-Meily led educators through a rare creative drawing exercise to explore the visual language of film. Renowned editor Ilsa Malsi, whose credits include “Babae at Baril” and “Rookie,” took participants on a deep dive into editing — illustrating how narrative pacing and emotional resonance are shaped in the cutting room.

Closing the Curtain, Opening New Doors

Dean David Corpuz of Mapúa School of Media Studies delivered heartfelt closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the trust and confidence given to their institution to host such a significant event. “This is not just a training program; it’s a movement — and we are proud to be part of it,” he declared.

The program’s formal partnership was solidified through a memorandum of agreement signed by PACE President Chico, PACE VP for Luzon Reginald Gonzales, and FDCP Chair Jose Javier Reyes — ensuring that this powerful alliance will continue to uplift film education across the country.

A New Chapter for Philippine Cinema Education

As the lights dimmed and the classrooms emptied, what remained was not just knowledge — but conviction. Educators left not only with tools and techniques, but with a renewed sense of mission: to wield film as a force for truth, identity, and transformation.

In a world reshaped by pixels and platforms, this initiative proves that the soul of storytelling still resides in the hearts of teachers — and that the future of Philippine cinema begins in every classroom where passion, purpose, and pedagogy meet.

And this, truly, is the new reel revolution.