Marcos orders July 29 school opening despite Carina devastation: ‘Push through if possible’
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged schools to open on July 29 as planned, except for those heavily impacted by Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
“As much as possible… hangga’t maaari… if the school buildings are in a condition to conduct classes, they will [have to] do it [As much as possible… if the school buildings are in a condition to conduct classes, they will have to do it],” Marcos told reporters while visiting flood victims in Rizal.
“Pero meron pa talaga na kakaunti na lang yung may tubig pero marami [pang] naiwan na putik, hindi magamit [But there are still some that have a little water left, but a lot of mud remains, making them unusable],” he added, acknowledging some schools are still covered in mud and remain unusable.
The president emphasized the need for the Department of Education (DepEd) to make every effort to open schools.
“Gawin niyo ang lahat. Buksan niyo. Ang pagpasok, gawin nyo hangga’t maaari, kung kaya niyong buksan. Hangga’t maaari, open the schools and conduct classes [Do everything you can. Open them. Conduct classes as much as possible, if you can open them. As much as possible, open the schools and conduct classes],” he said.
Marcos noted that newly appointed Education Secretary Sonny Angara will oversee the efforts to resume classes.
The DepEd must find a middle ground, as schools have not returned to full-time, face-to-face classes since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It will be up to the school to decide kung kaya o hindi [whether they can or not]. Siguro yung iba mapipilitan [some might be forced], they will conduct classes outside of the school building, makapag klase lang [just to hold classes]. Tingnan natin [We will see],” Marcos said.
Several schools suffered damage or were used as makeshift homes for residents of low-lying areas due to the torrential rains and massive floods triggered by the typhoon.
Marcos acknowledged these challenges but stressed the importance of resuming education wherever possible.
He highlighted the resilience of students and educators working to return to normalcy despite adversity.
He also urged communities to push forward and use what resources they have, even if some schools remain unfit for use.
Marcos’s visit to flood victims and his insistence on reopening schools aim to rally the nation towards recovery and ensure continuity in education despite natural disasters.
