AKLAN – Five private schools in the towns of Kalibo, Malay and New Washington here shut down operations mainly due to low enrollment rate this school year 2020-2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
These schools have submitted their intent not to operate with the Department of Education (DepEd) either temporarily or permanently.
DepEd data showed that more than 140,000 learners are enrolled in 378 public schools and 91 private schools in the province of Aklan. These educational institutions resumed classes through blended learning or remote learning approach.
Two private schools in Boracay Island temporarily did not operate at least for now due to adverse impact of COVID-19.
Another private school in Caticlan, Malay decided to close for good.
Malay public schools district supervisor Jessie Flores said a number of students from these private schools transferred to public schools in Malay.
Flores added some teachers who lost their jobs in Malay District were hired by parents for tutorial classes of their children.
DepEd-Aklan also said that a pioneer computer and technical school in Kalibo has permanently closed its operations due to low number of enrollees, while a private school in New Washington would not open for the school year due to pandemic.
With the signing into law of Bayanihan To Recover As One or Bayanihan 2, public and private school teachers and non-teaching staff displaced by the closure will be given one-time assistance and cash package./PN
