Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Teachers criticize DepEd's Saturday makeup classes, remote learning during calamities
Philippines
National
Teachers criticize DepEd's Saturday makeup classes, remote learning during calamities
Teachers criticize DepEd's Saturday makeup classes, remote learning during calamities
Published Jul 23, 2025 08:47 pm
At A Glance
- Teachers slam DepEd's plan to hold Saturday makeup classes and enforce remote learning during disasters, citing policy violations and mental health concerns
- The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) opposes the plan to hold Saturday classes, arguing that it violates existing DepEd guidelines promoting rest and family time on weekends
- TDC criticized the enforcement of online classes or modular work in disaster-hit areas, citing ongoing power outages, displacement, and stress among students and families
- Teachers argued that the existing school calendar includes buffer days meant for class suspensions, and these should be maximized before imposing weekend makeup classes
People wade through knee-deep floodwaters following heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon. (John Louie Abrina / MANILA BULLETIN)
A teachers' group on Wednesday, July 23, raised alarm over the Department of Education’s (DepEd) plan to conduct Saturday makeup classes and implement remote learning during natural disasters.
The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC), in a statement, warned that the plan could worsen student and teacher burnout, especially in areas heavily affected by typhoons and the southwest monsoon (habagat).
Teachers cite policy violations in Saturday class proposal
The TDC opposed DepEd’s plan to hold makeup classes on Saturdays to address learning losses caused by class suspensions, saying the move contradicts existing policies that emphasize the importance of rest and family time.
“DepEd itself has emphasized the importance of rest and family time during weekends by banning homework,” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas. “It is therefore contradictory to require students and teachers to attend make-up classes on Saturdays,” he added.
At the launch of the expanded School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) at Sumulong Memorial High School in Antipolo City on July 21, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the need for makeup sessions due to frequent weather-related disruptions.
“We’re emphasizing that there must be makeup classes because the learning loss is significant. Too many cancellations are affecting the students,” Angara said in a mix of English and Filipino.
He added that these classes could be held on Saturdays or after school hours, depending on teacher availability and school logistics.
Teachers call for use of buffer days
Basas, a public school teacher in Caloocan, emphasized that DepEd policy only requires makeup classes if the mandated 180 school days cannot be met.
“DepEd should instead utilize the buffer days already built into the school calendar to make up for suspended class days or local holidays,” Basas said. “This has been the practice for decades, and there is no need to disrupt weekends unless absolutely necessary,” he added.
Remote learning during disasters also criticized
TDC also raised concerns over reports that some schools are implementing alternative delivery modes (ADMs)—such as online classes and printed modules—even in areas still reeling from storm damage.
“These directives are not only impractical but also lack empathy,” Basas noted.
He added that DepEd should remind school leaders to exercise caution when requiring students to complete modules during ongoing calamities.
Basas noted that many families in Luzon and the Visayas are still coping with flood damage, power outages, and displacement due to habagat and recent typhoons. “Expecting them to prioritize academic modules or online classes in this situation is unrealistic,” he said.
TDC also reported that some teachers were instructed to collect documentation proving student compliance with learning tasks.
However, Basas cited DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024, which clearly states that ADMs are not mandatory during class suspensions caused by natural disasters.
TDC urges compassion and policy adherence
As weather-related school disruptions continue across Luzon and the Visayas, TDC urged DepEd to show compassion and comply with its own guidelines.
“Any adjustments should not come at the expense of our teachers’ and learners’ well-being,” Basas said. “We urge the DepEd to stay true to its own policies and show compassion during this difficult time,” he added.