The number of private schools in the Philippines (PH) declaring shut down of operations has now doubled since three weeks ago.
Closure of private schools in the PH
Less than a month ago, it was reported that around 440 private schools in the PH are opting to suspend operations due to financial constraints brought about by the pandemic. Three weeks after, the numbers have suddenly doubled and could possibly rise even more as the schedule for the reopening of classes draws near. Out of the 14,000 private schools in the PH that operated last year, about six percent will have to lay low and hope for better enrollment numbers next school year.
According to the Department of Education Undersecretary for Human Resources, Jesus Mateo pointed out that the decision of several private schools to shut down is not solely because of the lack of enrollees for this school year. Another factor pointed out by the undersecretary is that some of these schools weren’t able to commit to the COVID-19 sanitary guidelines mandated by the department and the Inter-Agency Task Force for Infectious Diseases.
Private schools in the PH can help in online learning
The government is serious in managing the pandemic efficiently, which is why certain guidelines must be followed, before an institution may operate during the pandemic. If these schools aren’t willing to abide by the new learning modalities imposed by the Department of Education, then they will not be granted access to operate.
Guidelines are set to protect school personnel and students. Proper health protocols should be followed, besides, theses mandates all came from the orders of the Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19.
With the Bayanhian Act Part Two being signed and approved by the President, the DepEd wishes to allocate a part of the budget to take in displaced private school teachers to help in assisting the new online learning modalities in public schools all over the country.
