MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) said several schools are expected to postpone today, July 29, the scheduled opening of classes for school year 2024-2025 due to the effects of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
According to Education secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, 738 are expected to delay the class opening –442 are in Central Luzon, 206 are in the National Capital Region (NCR), 86 are in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and four in Cotabato.
Overall, 12,866 schools were affected in Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.
Angara, however, urged other unaffected schools to proceed with the school opening today to prevent learning loss.
“Kaya gusto man ng iba na i-postpone talaga nang malawakan, we cannot do it. Because alam natin, what if next week may tumama na namang typhoon,” Angara said.
“So iyong may kaya sana pumasok na sila because the learning loss is very real,” the newly-appointed Education secretary added. “Makeup classes for missed school days will be implemented.”
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Friday last week that the opening of classes in public schools will push through as planned but the decision to postpone will depend on school authorities.
“As much as possible. Hangga’t maaari. If the school buildings are in a condition to take classes, they will do it,” the Chief Executive said in an interview in Rizal.
“It will be up to the school to decide kung kaya o hindi. Siguro yung iba mapipilitan, they will conduct classes outside of the school building, makapagklase lang. Tingnan natin,” he added./PN
