DepEd: 738 schools to postpone opening of classes

At least 738 schools in areas affected by Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon won't be able to open for the start of classes on Monday, July 29, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said about 246 schools reported flooding while 425 were turned into evacuation centers, 64 of these are still housing evacuees.

According to a Philippine STAR report, about 42 schools in Malabon City, 33 in Marikina City, two in Navotas City, 44 in Pasig City, 14 in Quezon City, and 71 in Valenzuela City will not be opening on July 29.

Affected areas such as Bataan, Balanga, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac Province, Cotabato, Abra, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Baguio also have schools that won't be able to start classes on Monday.

According to a report from dzBB, Malabon will instead open classes on July 31, while Valenzuela schools have moved the start of school to August 5.

Marikina City school openings for private and public schools of all levels will also begin on August 5. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the start of classes will push through on July 29, but school authorities may decide to delay this.

The country's chief executive spoke about the opening of school year 2024 to 2025 while he was visiting Rizal on July 26.

"As much as possible[,] if the school buildings are in a condition to take classes, they will do it," Marcos said.

"It will be up to the school to decide kung kaya o hindi. Siguro 'yung iba mapipilitan, they will conduct classes outside of the school building, makapagklase lang. Tingnan natin," he added.