Marcos directs DepEd to open schools on July 29, allows delays for storm-affected areas

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Education (DepEd), led by former Senator Sonny Angara, to proceed with the scheduled opening of classes on Monday, July 29, but allowed school administrators affected by Super Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon to extend their reopening dates if necessary.

Marcos emphasized during a visit to flood victims in Rizal that schools should open as much as possible, even if some are covered in mud or have limited facilities. He urged DepEd to find middle-ground solutions.

As of Friday, at least 90 schools across the country postponed the start of classes due to damage from Super Typhoon Carina and enhanced Southwest Monsoon conditions, with specific dates set for Malabon City on July 31 and Valenzuela City on August 5.

The President acknowledged that while many areas can resume regular operations, others still face challenges such as flooding, mud damage, and damaged facilities requiring replacement. Individual schools will decide based on their specific conditions whether they can open or need alternative measures like outdoor classes.

DepEd is set to begin a massive learning recovery program following the President's State of the Nation Address last July 22, addressing Filipino learners' poor performance in recent assessment tests.