Batangas schools resume classes with low student turnout

Several schools in Batangas resumed classes on February 3, three weeks after the Taal Volcano eruption, but only a few students returned.

At Laurel Central School, about 100 out of over 600 students attended classes, with some parents hesitant due to lingering ashfall and tremors.

To manage the student population and accommodate those from evacuation centers, two class shifts were implemented: 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Classes are also scheduled on Saturdays to compensate for lost school days, and the Department of Education permits students to attend the nearest available schools.

Batangas mayors were given discretion by Governor Hermilando Mandanas to decide on class resumptions in their respective areas.

Teachers incorporated icebreaker activities to help students share their experiences during the evacuation period.

Some parents remained on school grounds for immediate assistance in case of emergencies.