Classes across the country opened today (Monday) even as some schools will remain shut pending repairs on damages caused by two typhoons and the enhanced southwest monsoon last week.
The Department of Education placed the number of schools that would have to delay their openings at “below 1,000.”
In the agency’s latest bulletin issued Sunday afternoon, the figures dropped from 1,063 to 979 as of 2:30 p.m.
Central Luzon posted the most number of affected schools with 452, Region 1 with 231, the National Capital Region with 225, Calabarzon with 67, and SOCCSKSARGEN with four.
In the NCR, it was announced that classes in the cities of Malabon, Pasig, Marikina and Valenzuela will open on August 5.
In view of structural damages to schools, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition urged local government units in storm-hit communities to reschedule the opening of classes in their jurisdictions.
“For the obvious reason, many of our communities are still faced with a problem with the damage left by the typhoon and habagat. We think that, even if the schools are physically okay, our teachers and parents need enough time to really prepare physically, emotionally, and even financially,” TDC chair Benjo Basas said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
Earlier, Education Secretary Sonny Angara encouraged learning institutions that were unscathed by the storms to push through with the opening of classes to avoid wasted school days.
Meanwhile, around 30,000 police officers have been deployed nationwide to ensure the safety of students as public elementary and high schools begin a new school year.
“Even as we are still dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Carina, we continue in our preparations for Balik-Eskwela this year,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said.
Fajardo said officers are instructed to conduct patrols in the vicinity of campuses and to establish police assistance desks (PADs) while coordinating their efforts with school officials.
As these developed, Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza II directed all regional directors and district office heads to extend to LGUs whatever assistance the agency can provide to facilitate the smooth opening of classes.
“We also have to check on motor vehicles overloaded with students because that is very risky and leads to road accidents,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “DepEd: Nearly 1,000 public schools to defer opening of classes on Monday”
