DepEd postpones class opening for over 979 schools hit by Typhoon Carina

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that over 979 public schools across Metro Manila, Ilocos region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Soccsksargen in Mindanao will postpone the opening of classes for the School Year 2024-2025 from July 29 due to damage caused by Typhoon Carina and severe flooding.

Specifically, schools in Central Luzon are most affected with 452 postponements, followed by Ilocos Region with 231, National Capital Region with 225, Calabarzon with 67, and Soccsksargen with four.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that severely damaged schools will not be forced to open prematurely, allowing regional directors to work closely with principals for assessments.

The DepEd also reported a decline in enrollment over the past three consecutive years; only 18.37 million learners enrolled for SY 2024-2025 compared to 22.92 million in the previous year.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced that the opening of classes will continue on July 29, but those affected by flooding have discretion to decide whether they need more time to recover.