MANILA, July 29 ------ A teachers' group on Sunday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to delay the start of classes — originally set for July 29 — by a week in areas hit by the recent massive flooding and heavy rains, saying it was not just the schools that needed preparation.
The Teachers' Dignity Coalition in a statement said postponing the class opening in typhoon-stricken areas in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces will "give their citizens, parents, students, and even teachers more time to prepare for the school year." "Hindi naman po ang kahandaan lamang ng paaralan ang kailangang ikunsidera, kundi lalo pa ang kahandaang pisikal, sikolohikal at pinansiyal din ng mga magulang, mga bata at maging ng mga guro," Benjo Basas, the group's national chairperson, said in the statement. He said that many families were affecred by the flooding brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, which was enhanced by Typhoon Carina. "Ilan sa kanila ang nawalan ng tahanan o nasira ang mga kagamitan, ang iba pa nga ay nawalan ng mga mahal sa buhay," he added.
Basas also urged the DepEd to directly consult teachers and parents on the class opening, saying that some school officials' assessments of the typhoon's aftermath might not be accurate. DepEd on Saturday said more than 1,200 public schools nationwide will postpone their opening on Monday for clean-up and rehabilitation following the monsoon floods.
The affected areas include Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. The DepEd said most classes will still open on Monday in areas affected by the typhoon, although local governments have the power to delay classes. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered that class opening on July 29 should push through as much as possible.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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