Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31) — The Department of Education (DepEd) postponed the opening of classes in war-torn Marawi City.
“We believe that opening classes as scheduled will contribute in the normalization activities…education will not be compromised by this crisis. However, whatever, wherever they are, we will reach out to the children,” said Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Tuesday in an emergency meeting with officials from DepEd Mindanao.
READ: Duterte OKs creation of ‘peace corridor’ with MILF in Marawi
Classes in eight other unnamed DepEd districts under the Lanao del Sur I subprovincial division will be affected.
Briones said the delay in class opening will make sure the students are safe amid clashes between government forces and Maute members in Marawi City.
She added they decided on the advice of the National Security Council and reports from disaster management officials.
In its statement, DepEd said make-up classes during weekends may be held to meet the required school days.
According to the statement, “neighboring cities of Marawi already conducted student mapping on those who fled to these cities after the armed conflict situation arose.”
Displaced learners may enroll in another school using only their Learner Reference Number. This transfer setup will be implemented nationwide.
As for the language barrier, Briones said DepEd ARMM will assign educators familiar with the language in Marawi to areas with transferees.
“Ang DepEd ARMM ang magpo-provide ng teachers habang ang DepEd Central Office naman ang magpo-provide ng funding for the teachers,” Briones said.
[Translation: DepEd ARMM will provide the teachers, while the DepEd Centrol Office will provide their funding.]
