Following the widespread flooding caused by the “Carina”-enhanced southwest monsoon, a group of teachers called on President Marcos and newly appointed Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday, July 25, to postpone the opening of the School Year (SY) 2024-2025, which is scheduled for next week.
The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC), in a statement, strongly recommended postponing the start of classes by at least one week in the affected areas, and if possible, nationwide, to help the communities recover.
TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas expressed confidence that the President and Angara “will understand this recommendation,” particularly since many local government units (LGUs) have already declared a state of calamity in their respective areas.
“Let us prioritize allowing our kababayans, teachers, parents, and students to address their domestic challenges stemming from the impact of typhoons and floods,” Basas said, adding that the delay would also provide the DepEd with the opportunity to “thoroughly prepare” for the school opening.
The relentless rains brought by the southwest monsoon and “Carina” have caused massive flooding in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and other affected areas.
“Many schools, if not submerged, are currently serving as evacuation centers,” Basas said. “Our communities, families, parents, children, and even individual teachers are grappling with their respective concerns in light of this calamity,” he added.
More time needed for school opening
TDC pointed out that from cleaning homes to addressing family needs and ensuring adequate school supplies, the affected communities need “more time for preparation.”
Schools, TDC said, also need time to prepare for the school opening.
The conduct of Brigada Eskwela, or the National Schools Maintenance Week, scheduled from July 22 to 27, was disrupted by the inclement weather.
The weeklong nationwide school maintenance program engages all education stakeholders to “contribute their time, efforts, and resources to ensure that public schools are all set in time for the school opening.”
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/14/dep-ed-sets-brigada-eskwela-for-sy-2024-2025-from-july-22-to-27
TDC noted that while Brigada Eskwela began last Monday, it has “yet to be carried out in most affected areas.”
Moreover, the group mentioned that training for the new MATATAG Curriculum has also been “delayed due to the suspension of classes and government work.” DepEd will start the phased implementation of the revised K to 10 curriculum for select grade levels this school year.
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Furthermore, TDC highlighted that the “lack of materials” necessary for implementing the MATATAG Curriculum is a “concern not only in the three regions but across the entire DepEd system.”
With government offices resuming only on July 26, TDC warned that “there is insufficient time for our schools to adequately prepare for the opening of classes” on July 29.
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