Despite the rains that led some local government units (LGUs) to cancel classes and delay the opening of schools affected by flooding, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Monday, July 29, that the first day of school this year was generally "smooth."
In a statement, DepEd said Education Secretary Sonny Angara "observed a smooth opening" for SY 2024-2025 during his visit to Carmona National High School and Elementary School.
“Nais lang nating magpasalamat sa ating mga guro, estudyante at komunidad, mga principal [at] mga superintendent na tumutulong sa pag-aayos ng ating mga paaralan at nagsama-sama para makapasok ang students ngayong araw (We just want to thank our teachers, students, and community, principals, and superintendents who are helping in organizing our schools and coming together to ensure that students can attend today),” Angara said in an interview.
“Malaking bagay po iyon. Talagang nag-bayanihan po tayo para makapasok ngayong araw (That’s a big deal. We really worked together to make sure students could attend today),” he added.
Angara visited Carmona NHS and Carmona ES in Cavite, where he checked the readiness of the schools for the opening of SY 2024-2025.
He also attended a brief forum with officials from the local government unit of Carmona, the DepEd Central Office, and the Regional Office to better understand the situation of teachers and learners in Carmona, Cavite.
Angara checked on and spoke with students and teachers who had started their classes that morning.
After visiting several schools in Carmona, Cavite, Angara proceeded to Muntinlupa National High School to assess the current situation of classes there.
He also spoke with LGU officials and school teachers about their experiences and challenges on the first day of classes for SY 2024-2025.
Angara also visited Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial National High School in Rodriguez, Rizal.
School opening
The opening of this school year was marked by the postponement of classes in flood-affected areas.
As of 3 p.m., DepEd data showed that 841 schools had postponed the opening of classes.
Based on data issued by DepEd earlier, 842 schools did not open on July 29.
According to DepEd, the postponement affected more than 800,000 learners.
READ:
While some schools were forced to postpone their opening for clean-ups and rehabilitation activities, Angara noted that 98 percent of public schools nationwide began classes as scheduled.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/29/98-of-public-schools-opened-on-july-29-dep-ed
Enrollment
Citing its latest data, DepEd reported 20,598,072 learners for SY 2024-2025.
This includes 11,301,108 learners at the Elementary Level; 6,204,006 at Junior High; 2,870,891 at Senior High School; and 222,067 in the Alternative Learning System.
CALABARZON reported the highest number of enrollees at 3,070,457, followed by Central Luzon with 2,216,637 learners and NCR with 2,207,473 learners.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/29/dep-ed-sy-2024-2025-enrollment-surpasses-20-million
According to DepEd data, 861,234 public school teachers and 45,565 school heads welcomed millions of learners nationwide.
Challenges and concerns
Meanwhile, teachers’ groups have voiced their concerns about the school opening.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines held a sunrise picket protest in Mendiola, Manila, early this morning to highlight the government's "ongoing neglect" of critical issues such as shortages of classrooms, teachers, education support staff, learning materials, and facilities—problems exacerbated by the recent destruction caused by Typhoon Carina.
The group called on DepEd to halt the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum and reiterated its call for a substantial increase in the education budget and "decent" compensation for teachers and education workers.
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The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) emphasized the importance of "investing" in teachers to strengthen the country’s education system.
READ:
Despite the challenges faced during the school opening, Angara reiterated President Marcos' support for the education system and teachers’ welfare.
“I-reiterate ko lang 'yong suporta ng ating Pangulo, President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. sa ating education system. Humihingi rin ako ng suporta sa lahat ng komunidad all over the Philippines para sa ating mga estudyante at eskwelahan (I would like to reiterate the support of our President, Bongbong Marcos, for our education system, and I am asking for the support of all communities across the Philippines for our students and schools),” Angara said.
To support teachers in their needs, Angara announced that the P5,000 teaching allowance will be disbursed to eligible public school teachers within the school opening week.
IN PHOTOS:
Snapshots from the first day of classes for the SY 2024-2025 on July 29, 2024.
