Negros Region Schools Hit Hardest by Natural Disasters Nationwide

BACOLOD CITY—Schools across the Negros Island Region were forced to shut down for an average of 26 days per division due to natural hazards and calamities between 2024 and 2026, making it the hardest-hit area nationally during the period, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II).

The figure represents a significant disruption to education in the region, with students losing more than a month of classroom instruction annually. This extended period of interrupted learning raises concerns about the academic progress and development of young learners across multiple divisions in Negros.

Edcom II's findings underscore the vulnerability of educational institutions in the Negros Island Region to various natural disasters and calamities. The data highlights the need for enhanced preparedness measures and support systems to minimize disruptions to the school calendar.

The commission's assessment comes as educators and policymakers continue to grapple with balancing disaster response and recovery efforts with maintaining educational continuity. The high number of lost school days in Negros suggests that regional and national governments may need to strengthen infrastructure resilience and develop more effective protocols for maintaining learning opportunities during natural calamities.