Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro announced on Friday, July 26, that the opening of classes at all levels in both public and private schools in the city will be on August 5 instead of July 29.
Teodoro said that the postponement of the opening of classes was due to the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Carina and the declaration of a state of calamity in the city.
On Friday, the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Marikina conducted its third special session, where it approved a resolution "declaring Marikina City under a state of calamity due to the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon.”
The resolution was sponsored by City Councilor Donn Favis and Vice Mayor Marion Andres.
It said that the declaration is a response to the widespread damage and flooding caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
Meanwhile, the mayor said that their decision to move the classes followed careful consideration and consultation with key stakeholders, including the School Division Office Marikina and affected families.
“Our paramount concern is the safety and well-being of our community—our students, teachers, and parents—who have been directly affected by this calamity,” Teodoro said.
“Many of our public schools serve as evacuation centers for thousands of families seeking shelter, while debris clearing and restoration work are underway,” the mayor added.
He said that while relief and rehabilitation efforts continue for some affected residents, the movement of the class opening can provide an opportunity for them to recover.
“We must ensure that both individual households and our facilities are fully prepared to welcome back our students,” he said.
He added that this will also allow the city's school heads to adequately prepare and ensure a smooth and safe transition for their students.
It will also provide individual households with the opportunity to fully recover and resume their normal lives, Teodoro stated.
“I understand the challenges posed by this situation, and I deeply appreciate your patience and cooperation during these trying times. Together, we will rebuild and restore our community, demonstrating the resilience and unity that define Marikina. Stay safe and stay strong, my fellow Marikeños. We are in this together. Thank you, and may God bless Marikina,” the mayor noted.