Angara says some schools to delay opening as Carina leaves NCR, others in state of calamity
Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency will identify tomorrow schools severely damaged by Typhoon Carina to give them more time to recover and prepare for the opening.
“Some schools will really have to postpone their openings kasi maraming aayusin at lilinisin. Pero yung wala o minimal ang damages itutuloy pa rin ang pasukan. I’ll be issuing a list tomorrow…” Angara said in a Twitter post, adding tht regional directors will also work with principals to assess readiness for school opening.
“Hindi namin pipilitin yung mga nasalanta talaga at mahihirapan sa school opening ng Lunes,” the DepEd chief added.
The statement comes amid calls from teachers to move the July 29 opening of classes. The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) is proposing a delay of at least one week, if possible nationwide, to allow adequate recovery time for all, especially as some schools continue to serve as evacuation centers.
“Many schools, if not submerged, are presently serving as evacuation centers. Our communities, families, parents, children and even individual teachers are grappling with their respective concerns in light of this calamity. From cleaning homes to addressing family needs and ensuring adequate school supplies, more time for preparation is essential,” the TDC said in a statement today.
The group added that many have not completed the new MATATAG Curriculum training, as well as the Brigada Eskwela, an annual community-level initiative to clean up and renovate schools in time for the opening of the academic year.
“With government offices resuming only tomorrow, Friday, there is insufficient time for our schools to adequately prepare for the opening of classes on Monday,” the TDC added.
The TDC also raised logistical challenges for the DepEd, particularly in its own readiness to provide school materials needed to implement the new MATATAG curriculum.
The DepEd’s and TDC’s statements come amid declarations of states of calamity by many local government units, underscoring the need for flexibility in the academic calendar.
“Let us prioritize allowing our kababayans, teachers, parents, and students to address their domestic challenges stemming from the impact of typhoons and floods. This delay will also provide DepEd with the opportunity to thoroughly prepare,” the TDC added.
