APART from beauty and diverse cultural heritage, typhoons are hallmarks of the Philippines.This archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world.In a typical year, the Philippines is struck by 20 typhoons, each leaving a trail of devastation.Although the headlines are often dominated by images of inundated streets and damaged residences, the detrimental effects of these disasters on education are often disregarded.When typhoons strike, they disrupt more than just daily routines; they interrupt the education of millions of students.As a precautionary measure, schools must close to ensure students' safety.However, they do incur expenses such as extended closures that can exacerbate pre-existing learning deficits, impede curriculum advancement, and postpone lessons.In rural areas, the devastation is particularly grievous because education is already a challenging obstacle.As a result, students are frequently denied access to a learning environment when classrooms are converted into evacuation centers.On rare occasions, textbooks and computer indispensable educational resources are either damaged or lost wholly.Meanwhile, educators face challenges in their efforts to balance their professional responsibilities with their personal recovery initiatives.In addition to other challenges within the Philippine education system, typhoons exacerbate such issues.Many learners are already experiencing challenges with their literacy and math proficiency, as evidenced by the results of an international assessment body of 15-year-old students.As a result of the magnificence of these challenges during typhoons, foundational skills are overlooked by pupils.The long-term effects of these gaps on academic performance and self-confidence can be particularly detrimental to younger learners.Likewise, the pandemic contributed to further aggravating this matter.After years of remote learning, students transitioned to in-person classes when typhoons caused additional disruptions that impeded recovery efforts.According to specialists, this cycle of disruption has resulted in learning poverty, which highlights a condition in which children are unable to attain fundamental literacy by the age of 10.Learning loss caused by typhoons necessitates a multifaceted approach, such as strengthening the school infrastructure, adopting flexible learning modalities, and training teachers for crises to empower pupils academically and emotionally.Typhoon-induced learning loss is not solely an educational concern but a national concern that impacts the country's future.Filipino children should not be left behind, even under the pressure of nature's ferocity, by prioritizing education continuity and investing in disaster-resilient systems.As the nation continues to be devastated by typhoons, it is crucial to remember that education is the foundation of resilience. It is not merely a recovery act but an investment in faith. Caren Viel Menia is a Grade 6 student at Muir Woods Academy in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, and serves as the Opinion editor of the official school publication in the grade school department. She has also qualified for the Regional Schools Press Conference for Academic Year 2024-2025 as a column writer.
