Schools postponing class opening rise to 1,002

More schools have opted to delay the opening of classes for the School Year 2024-2025 following the onslaught of tropical cyclone Carina and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), the Department of Education (DepEd) said Saturday.

From 738 schools on Friday, the number rose to 1,002 on Saturday, covering four regions.

National Capital Region: (225 schools or 27.20% of total schools in NCR will open after July 29, 2024.)

• Malabon, Pasig, Marikina, and Valenzuela schools will all open on August 5.
• Navotas (2 schools), Manila (5 schools), San Juan (13 schools), and Quezon City (15 schools) will open on August 5.

Region I (Ilocos Region): 331 schools will open after July 29 but not later than August 5.

Region III (Central Luzon): 442 schools will open after July 29

• Bataan - 208
• Balanga - 2
• Bulacan - 92
• Meycauayan - all 20 schools
• Malolos - 48
• Pampanga - 51
• San Jose City - 1
• Tarlac province - 20

Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN): 4 schools near Liguasan Marsh in Cotabato province will open on August 5.

''The schools mentioned will postpone their openings on July 29, 2024, for cleanup and rehabilitation activities. Flood-free schools with minimal damage will open as scheduled to avoid disrupting the education of our young learners,'' the DepEd said.

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 Carina and Habagat. —VBL, GMA Integrated News