LESS than two percent of schools did not open classes on July 29, the scheduled opening of School Year 2024-2025, as some schools nationwide incurred damages due to Typhoon Carina and severe flooding the past few days.

According to the Department of Education, over 800 schools did not open classes after being affected by ‘Carina’, and more than 803,000 students were impacted.

“Maliit lang kasi wala pang… two percent of the whole country. So ibig sabihin, 98 percent of schools nagbukas,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said.

“Gusto kong tingnan kamusta ‘yung pagturo, ‘yung mga kagamitan, at siyempre, ‘yung psychological well-being ng ating community, ‘yung mga teachers given na binagyo tayo nang malakas,” he added.

The Philippine National Police on Monday deployed over 33,000 personnel to ensure the safety of the students as the school year opens.

“The safety of our children as they return to school is our utmost priority. We encourage everyone to cooperate and report any suspicious activities to the nearest PAD or local authorities,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said.

Due to the onslaught of ‘Carina’, some local government units and schools deferred the opening of classes on August 5.