The Department of Education-Davao Region (DepEd-Davao) has officially confirmed that regular face-to-face classes will resume across the entire region on Monday, February 9, 2026. This decision comes after weather conditions significantly improved following the disruption caused by Tropical Depression Basyang last week.
Return to Normalcy After Storm Disruption
In a radio interview, DepEd-Davao spokesperson Jenielito "Dodong" Atillo emphasized that conditions in previously affected communities have stabilized and returned to normal. He urged students and parents throughout the Davao Region to prepare for the full resumption of classes.
"Maayo naman ang lakat sa panahon nato. There are many municipalities also, specifically in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, nga namalik na. We can say, balik normal na gyud ta and balik napud sa klase ang tanan," Atillo stated, highlighting the return to regular academic schedules.
Early Resumptions in Some Areas
According to DepEd-Davao, several municipalities in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro had already resumed classes as early as Friday, February 6, 2026. Local officials in these areas declared their communities safe following the storm's passage, allowing educational activities to restart ahead of the regional schedule.
The education agency has committed to maintaining close coordination with local government authorities to ensure the ongoing safety of learners, teachers, and school personnel throughout the recovery period.
Tropical Depression Basyang's Weakening and Impact
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Tropical Depression Basyang, internationally known as Penha, weakened into a low-pressure area while traversing the Sulu Sea. This occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, before the system completely dissipated by 8 a.m. the same day.
Pagasa further confirmed that there are currently no active low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). This development provides assurance for continued stable weather conditions across the region.
Storm's Path and Intensity
Tropical Depression Basyang entered the PAR on Tuesday, February 3, making a total of five landfalls during its passage through the Philippines. The weather system made one landfall in Mindanao while at its peak intensity as a tropical storm, followed by four additional landfalls in the Visayas as it weakened into a tropical depression.
At its strongest, Basyang brought heavy to intense rainfall, particularly over Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions. This resulted in significant flooding and landslides in multiple locations. The highest warning issued was Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, while Signal No. 1 was raised in parts of the Davao Region, mainly affecting eastern areas.
Government Response and Preparedness Measures
In response to the storm's aftermath, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Davao has prepositioned substantial family food packs across the entire region. These emergency supplies include:
- 6,970 packs in Davao Oriental
- 8,031 packs in Davao de Oro
- 2,776 packs in Davao del Norte
- 2,822 packs in Davao del Sur
- 3,938 packs in Davao Occidental
This strategic distribution ensures readiness for any remaining needs from Basyang's impact or potential future emergencies, demonstrating comprehensive disaster preparedness throughout the Davao Region.
