29-07-2025
DepEd eyes make-up classes after week-long suspensions
The Department of Education (DepEd) is planning to hold make-up classes following the week-long suspension of classes due to recent typhoons, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Tuesday.
'Yes, plano talaga natin mag-make-up classes dahil kung 'di natin gawin 'yan, masyadong malaki ang mawawala sa ating mga kabataan,' Angara told reporters in an ambush interview.
(Yes, we're really planning to hold make-up classes because if we don't, our youth will lose too much.)
Several regions in the country suspended face-to-face classes for almost a week due to heavy rains and flooding brought about by multiple tropical storms in July.
The interruptions affected the academic calendar, prompting DepEd to explore flexible options to ensure students can catch up without overburdening them or their teachers.
'Depende na 'yan sa mga schools kung kailan. Pwedeng dagdag lang na oras sa weekdays, pwede rin gawin sa Sabado,' Angara added.
(That will depend on the schools—either adding hours during weekdays or holding classes on Saturdays.)
'Ititingnan din natin ang schedule ng mga teachers dahil gusto natin nagpapahinga din ang ating mga teachers,' Angara added.
(We'll also consider teachers' schedules because we want to ensure they still get proper rest.)
DepEd is expected to release a more detailed guideline in coordination with regional and school-level officials, allowing them to choose the most appropriate schedule adjustments based on their specific situations.
The push for make-up classes comes as part of DepEd's broader efforts to address learning loss in the wake of climate-related disruptions. With weather disturbances becoming more frequent and intense, Angara acknowledged the need for more flexible and resilient academic calendars.
During the launch of the Quality Basic Education Development Plan (QBEDP) 2025–2035, Angara also emphasized the importance of looking after students who have fallen behind, especially through expanded interventions like the ARAL Remediation Program and Summer Catch-Up Programs.
'For the first time, klaro na po ang direksyon,' he said.
(For the first time, the direction is clear.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News
