More than 20,000 public schools from 16 regions have suspended classes due to the combined effects of Typhoon Crising and southwest monsoon, or habagat, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Wednesday.

According to DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service situation report, a total of 24,648 schools have suspended in-person classes in response to these weather disturbances.

In addition, DepEd has recorded 1,794 classrooms with minor damage, 540 with major damage, 53l that are totally damaged, and 208 damaged hygiene facilities.

Furthermore, 131 schools across nine regions, specifically Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, VI, CAR, NCR, and NIR are currently being used as evacuation centers.

DepEd data also showed that 131 schools have been used as evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Guillermo Sanchez Memorial School and Tinajeros Elementary School in Malabon City and Tanza Elementary School and High School in Navotas City to assess the extent of damage caused by severe flooding.

Angara was joined by Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco during the school inspections, where they discussed plans to repair the affected schools and replace damaged learning materials and equipment.

Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has raised concerns over DepEd's plan to impose make-up classes, particularly those scheduled on Saturdays, claiming that such measure may violate existing policies and may cause further stress to students and teachers during calamities.

TDC Chairperson and Caloocan City teacher Benjo Basas said the proposed Saturday classes run contrary to DepEd’s long-standing advocacy for work-life balance.

"DepEd itself has emphasized the importance of rest and family time during weekends by banning homework. It is therefore contradictory to require students and teachers to attend make-up classes on Saturdays," Basas said.

Basas also cited DepEd’s own guidelines, which allow make-up classes only when the mandated 180 non-negotiable school days are compromised.

“DepEd should instead utilize the buffer days already built into the school calendar to make up for suspended class days or local holidays. This has been the practice for decades, and there is no need to disrupt weekends unless absolutely necessary,” Basas added.

The group also called on DepEd to remind its field officials and school leaders to exercise caution in requiring the accomplishment of modules or imposition of online classes especially in areas currently affected by weather disturbances.

“These directives are not only impractical but also lack empathy. Many families across Luzon and parts of the Visayas are still reeling from the effects of Habagat and recent typhoons. Expecting them to prioritize academic modules or online classes in this situation is unrealistic,” Basas said.

According to the TDC, they have received reports from teachers and parents that some schools have instructed teachers to send tasks through alternative delivery modes to their students and to submit proof of compliance, allegedly as part of DepEd’s requirements.

Basas clarified that such practices are also not aligned with DepEd’s official policy under DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024. “The DepEd Order clearly states that when classes and work are suspended due to calamities or emergencies, and alternative delivery modes are not feasible, they should not be required,” he said.

TDC also appealed to DepEd to uphold its established rules and consider the well-being of both learners and teachers when deciding on make-up classes or alternative delivery schemes.

Since Monday, 21 July, classes in large areas of Luzon and the Visayas have been disrupted due to monsoon rains, which have been worsened by successive typhoons. NEIL ALCOBER