738 schools to postpone opening of classes —DepEd

At least 738 schools in four regions are set to postpone the opening of classes due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina which enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, the Department of Education said Friday.

Here’s the breakdown of cities and provinces that will delay their class opening: 

National Capital Region 

• Malabon City: 42 
• Marikina City: 33
• Navotas City: 2 
• Pasig City: 44 
• Quezon City: 14
• Valenzuela City: 71 

Central Luzon

• Bataan: 208 
• Balanga: 2 
• Bulacan: 92 
• Meycauayan City: 20 
• Malolos City: 48 
• Pampanga: 51 
• San Jose City: 1
• Tarlac Province: 20 

Soccsksargen 

• Cotabato: 4 

Cordillera Administrative Region 

• Abra: 47 
• Apayao: 5
• Baguio: 7 
• Benguet: 6
• Kalinga: 8 
• Mt. Province: 13 

The DepEd also said 246 schools reported flooding while 425 were used as evacuation centers, of which 64 still have evacuees.

It added that 12,866 schools were affected in 65 divisions and 10 regions, namely Cordillera Administrative Region, National Capital Region, Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, and VIII.

In a press conference earlier in the day, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said 90 public schools will delay the opening of classes and the number will increase in the following days as they wait for the report of their regional offices.

According to the report of Super Radyo dzBB's Mark Makalalad, among the cities that will move the opening of classes are Malabon and Valenzuela.

Public schools in Malabon City will open their classes on July 31 while those in Valenzuela City will move their class opening on August 5 instead of the earlier announced July 29 schedule as schools are still being used as evacuation centers.

Further, Angara said each public school has its discretion on when to open their classes.

In a separate Super Radyo dzBB interview, Mayor Marcy Teodoro announced that the opening of classes in Marikina City is set for August 5 for all levels in public and private schools

In a press statement later in the day, Teodoro said the decision follows careful consideration and consultation with key stakeholders, including the School Division Office Marikina and affected families.

"Our paramount concern is the safety and well-being of our community—our students, teachers, and parents—who have been directly affected by this calamity. Many of our public schools serve as evacuation centers for thousands of families seeking shelter, while debris clearing and restoration work are underway," he said.

He added the new date of opening of classes will allow the school heads to adequately prepare, ensuring a smooth and safe transition for the students. It will also provide individual households the opportunity to fully recover and resume their normal lives.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said on Friday that the July 29 opening of classes must proceed as much as possible, save for areas heavily damaged 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. Pero meron pa talaga na kakaunti na lang yung may tubig pero marami [pang] naiwan na putik, hindi magamit,” Marcos told reporters as he visited flood victims in Rizal.

(Some schools are still covered in mud and remain unusable.)

“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,” he added, referring to the Department of Education (DepEd).

(You have to do everything you can. Open it if you are able.)—Hana Bordey/Vince Ferreras/AOL, GMA Integrated News