Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara has voiced his concerns about the significant learning time lost due to the frequent suspension of classes caused by typhoons and storms across the Philippines. During a visit to Leyte National High School in Tacloban City, Angara highlighted the issue, noting that approximately 53 days of schooling are lost each year due to these weather-related interruptions.
Speaking at the National Management Committee meeting in Palo, Leyte, which wrapped up on November 12, 2024, Angara predicted that the number of lost school days would rise, particularly in the typhoon-prone northern regions of the country. He emphasized that the cumulative effect of these lost days amounts to nearly one-third of the academic year. Angara warned that the current school year might see even more days lost, with Northern Luzon expected to face additional typhoons in the coming weeks.
The meeting, which was closed to the media, saw Angara urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to enhance its strategies for delivering quality education remotely. He stressed the need for creative solutions to overcome challenges such as poor internet connectivity, which hinders learning from home.
During his visit to Leyte, Angara also toured several schools in Tacloban, Palo, and Alangalang, engaging with school administrators, students, and members of the Parent Teachers Association to discuss these pressing educational issues.