Rain or shine, schools start classes today

MANILA, Philippines — The opening of classes will proceed in most schools across the country today even as some areas affected by the recent typhoon, monsoon rains and flooding, including Metro Manila, are asking for a week’s postponement.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara ordered a case-by-case approach upon President Marcos’ orders to push through with the school opening, except in areas where it is not feasible.

In areas severely affected, local government executives and school officials have the authority to postpone classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced.

Public school teachers are asking mayors in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces to reschedule the school opening in their constituencies to allow their residents, students and teachers more time to prepare for the school year following the massive flooding that hit their areas last week.

The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) made the appeal due to the need to consider “the physical, psychological and financial preparedness” of parents, students and teachers following the onslaught of Typhoon Carina.

“It is not only the readiness of the school that needs to be considered, but also the physical, psychological and financial readiness of the parents, children and even the teachers… Many of our citizens were affected, and some of them lost their homes or damaged equipment. Others even lost their loved ones,” TDC chairman Benjo Basas said.

Latest data from the DepEd showed that 979 schools across five regions would not be opening classes today due to the need to clean and rehabilitate public schools affected by Carina.

Of this number, 452 are in Central Luzon, 231 in Ilocos region, 225 in Metro Manila, 67 in Calabarzon and four are in Central Visayas.

“So now, we are calling on our mayors and governors to use their authority to consider at least one week’s postponement and talk to their respective constituents. And, if possible, parents and teachers would be consulted directly,” Basas said, emphasizing that the assessments of some school and DepEd field officials may not accurately reflect the true situation and sentiments on the ground.

The one-week delay will not only give families more time