Typhoon Basyang exposes flaws in online learning during disasters
As Typhoon Basyang struck Central Visayas in February 2026, class suspensions were ordered across many regions. Yet some universities in Cebu continued online and hybrid lessons despite the storm. The decision sparked discussions about safety, digital access, and the challenges of learning during disasters.
The Department of Education halted in-person classes for safety, but higher education institutions took a different approach. Several private universities, including the University of San Carlos and the University of the Visayas, kept online lessons running during the typhoon. No official count confirmed how many followed this path, but reports indicated multiple institutions did so.
Students quickly faced obstacles. Heavy rains and strong winds disrupted electricity and internet connections, making it hard to join virtual classes or submit assignments. One University of San Carlos student described delayed audio and unstable connections during an online session. These issues highlighted broader concerns about digital inequality in disaster-prone areas.
Education specialists warned that online learning can deepen divisions when students lack reliable devices, power, or data. Extreme weather often exposes weaknesses in digital infrastructure, leaving some unable to participate in real-time discussions or meet deadlines. Parents and students called for more flexible disaster responses, such as full suspensions and extended submission dates.
The Commission on Higher Education has urged colleges to create adaptable contingency plans. These should prioritise student welfare while maintaining academic progress in regions frequently hit by disasters.
The typhoon revealed the tension between keeping education on track and ensuring student safety. Universities that pressed ahead with online classes faced criticism, as many learners struggled with outages and unstable connections. Moving forward, institutions may need clearer policies to balance academic demands with the realities of disasters.
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