Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, on Friday, July 26, said that the opening of public schools for School Year (SY) 2024-2025, set for next week, will proceed for those that were not severely affected by widespread flooding brought about by the “Carina”-enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat).
“Although some want us to implement a wholesale postponement, we cannot do it,” Angara said in a mix of English and Filipino during a press briefing after the ceremonial signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Expanded Career Progression System for Public School Teachers.
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Learning loss is ‘very real’
Angara is pushing for the July 29 opening of classes, as scheduled, for areas not severely affected by Typhoon Carina and the “habagat” to prevent further disruption in learning.
“We have data showing that we are one [of the countries] with the highest number of lost school days in the world,” Angara said.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/18/students-lose-nearly-3-months-of-learning-in-sy-2023-2024-study
While considering the challenges brought by the recent weather disturbance, Angara said that schools that can proceed with the scheduled school opening should do so.
“Those who can [proceed with the school opening], please do so because the learning loss is very real,” Angara said.
Angara said DepEd continues to address the digital divide and its ability to implement distance learning programs.
However, while the agency has yet to fully utilize technology during class suspensions, schools will have to rely on “traditional methods” of teaching and learning.
Affected schools may delay school opening
Angara pointed out that DepEd will not force schools that were severely affected by the widespread flooding to open if they are unable to do so.
He cited cities like Malabon and Valenzuela, which have moved their school openings to July 31 and August 5, respectively.
Citing reports from the field, Angara said that most of the severely damaged schools were located in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV-A.
School infrastructure damage was also reported in other affected regions.
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Angara said DepEd continues to monitor the situation and will release an updated list of schools with delayed openings.
Currently, Angara said that DepEd officials in the field are coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to assess the damage to schools in the aftermath of Typhoon Carina.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/25/dep-ed-to-postpone-opening-of-classes-in-flood-affected-schools