Deped Schools in Mindanao will open on June 5 despite Martial Law situation

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 30, 2017 - DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones says during the Meeting of DepEd Regional Directors of Mindanao today that Education of our learners will proceed whatever the situation is. Education should not be compromised and we have to reach out to our learners wherever they are because that is our mandate and that is part of the culture of the Filipino.

The secretary's statement would mean that the opening of the school year will still be on June 5, 2017 despite Martial Law situation in Mindanao. However, for Marawi and 8 other barangays in Lanao del Sur and Iligan City will have to be postponed by two weeks. 

DepEd Region X have already conducted an inventory of learners who have transferred to Cagayan de Oro as well as the number of teachers they will be needing for the opening of the school year. DepED and ARMM will work hand in hand in mobilizing teachers who can speak the Maranao language well. ARMM will provide the teachers and the Central office shall provide the funding. 

With regards to the question of whether DepEd is ready for the opening on June 5, Secretary Briones said, “We have to be ready as we can be”. As of the moment, they have already provided temporary learning spaces in response to the problem of school facilities and coordinated with the curriculum group to provide additional books and educational materials for the learners. 

Other things that were considered are the implementation of the ‘Flexi Time’ in every class, providing financial assistance and psychosocial interventions to teachers and learners who were affected during the Marawi Siege and mobilizing the private sectors with all the assistance they can provide.

For students who wish to transfer their schooling to any parts of the country, the Secretary emphasized that children should be welcomed wherever they are and enrollment requirements will be waived.