ILOILO — More than 420,000 students in Western Visayas stayed away from classrooms as the approaching Tropical Storm “Opong” triggered widespread school closures, forcing a shift to online and alternative learning modes, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed yesterday.
As of 11:50 a.m. on Sept. 25, a total of 1,230 schools across 46 municipalities suspended in-person classes, directly affecting 420,873 learners.
The closures were implemented in compliance with DepEd Order No. 22, Series of 2024, which mandates the suspension of classes during disasters and emergencies to safeguard students and teachers.
“The safety and education of our learners and educators remain our primary concern during these trying times,” said DepEd Region 6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. “We are dedicated to providing necessary support and resources to ensure that learning continues, even under adverse circumstances.”
Breakdown of affected schools
The Schools Division of Iloilo accounted for the largest disruption with 698 schools closed, impacting 219,291 students across 27 towns.
Capiz followed with 372 schools closed, affecting 104,962 students in 14 towns.
In Iloilo City, 66 schools shut down, displacing 73,413 students, while Antique recorded 94 schools closed in four towns, affecting 23,207 learners.
LGU-declared suspensions
In Iloilo Province, local government units (LGUs) also declared class suspensions as precautionary measures.
Municipalities suspending all levels of classes included Balasan, Carles, Ajuy, Leganes, New Lucena, Barotac Viejo, Estancia, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Batad, Concepcion, Tigbauan, Janiuay, San Dionisio, Banate, Pototan, Igbaras, Zarraga, Badiangan, San Enrique, Mina, Lambunao, Sara, and Anilao.
Sta. Barbara town suspended kindergarten to elementary classes. Dingle suspended kindergarten classes, while Pavia cancelled afternoon sessions.
PAGASA warnings
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 1 over northern Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and parts of Antique including Caluya and Calamian Islands.
Moderate to heavy rainfall, coupled with strong winds and possible gale-force gusts, is expected as “Opong” maintains strength over the Philippine Sea.
PAGASA warned that the maximum possible signal during its passage could reach Signal No. 4.
Earlier disruptions
DepEd-6 noted that this was the second major class suspension in less than a week. On Sept. 22, in-person classes in 1,435 schools were suspended across the region due to the combined threats of Super Typhoon “Nando” and armed conflict in some areas, affecting 475,293 learners.
Education officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and working to provide alternative learning resources to ensure that education continues even as safety remains the top priority./PN
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