Flood-damaged schools to defer class opening

MANILA, Philippines — Schools damaged by Typhoon Carina or still with numerous concerns to address might have to postpone the opening of classes on Monday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said yesterday.

“Some schools will really have to postpone their openings kasi maraming aayusin at lilinisin (because they would have plenty of concerns to address),” Angara said.

“But those with none or with minimal damage, they would push through with the opening,” he added.

The Department of Education (DepEd) reported yesterday that about 90 schools all over the country suffered damage placed at P600 million, with reconstruction estimated to cost P630 million.

Angara said he would be issuing a list of areas where the opening of classes would be deferred, adding that he had ordered DepEd regional directors to work with principals to determine the readiness of schools for the opening of classes.

“We will not force the schools that were damaged and might have difficulties if they open their classes on Monday,” Angara said.

Earlier, DepEd reminded schools to provide students with instructional support should the students be forced to stay in evacuation centers for one week or more during times of disasters.

To prevent prolonged on-site class disruptions during the rainy season, DepEd also asked local government units to no longer use public schools as evacuation centers during typhoons and other calamities. While DepEd only allows the use of schools as evacuation for a maximum of 15 days, some regional and division offices go past this moratorium at the request of LGUs.

As of 2019, buildings being used for educational purposes outnumber actual structures dedicated to evacuees during natural calamities.

In the provinces, Mayors Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City and Romeo Salda of La Trinidad, Bernard Waclin of Itogon and Armando Lauro of Tublay – all in Benguet province – issued directives to postpone classes in all school levels and work in government offices.

However, those involved in frontline services – like emergency response, delivery of basic, health and medical services as well as disaster risk reduction and management teams – are ordered to report for work.

Pangasinan