REELING from the devastation caused by super typhoon Carina, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) on Sunday (28 July 2024) urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to delay by at least one week the start of classes in areas hit by the recent massive flooding and heavy rains.

On Saturday (27 July 2024), the DepEd said more than 1,200 public schools nationwide will postpone their opening on Monday (29 July 2024) for clean-up and rehabilitation following the monsoon floods.

“Hindi naman po ang kahandaan lamang ng paaralan ang kailangang ikonsidera, kundi lalo pa ang kahandaang pisikal, sikolohikal at pinansiyal din ng mga magulang, mga bata at maging ng mga guro,” TDC national chairperson Benjo Basas said in a statement.

He pointed out that 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.”

“Ilan sa kanila ang nawalan ng tahanan o nasira ang mga kagamitan, ang iba pa nga ay nawalan ng mga mahal sa buhay,” the TDC head further said.

He also asked the DepEd to directly consult teachers and parents on the class opening.

Basas noted that some school officials’ assessments of the typhoon’s aftermath might not be accurate.

It was learned that the affected areas include Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City.