Classes have been cancelled in over 20,000 public schools across the country this week because of strong rains and floods caused by the southwest monsoon or habagat, made worse by nearby storms.
The Department of Education (DepEd) stated that this is now the longest class suspension since schools started on June 16, 2025.
On Monday, around 26,000 schools stopped face-to-face classes.
By Wednesday, 24,648 schools in 16 regions still had no classes.
This number is even higher than the 19,000 schools that cancelled on Tuesday.
Evacuation and Damaged Schools
Due to flooding, at least 131 schools are now being used as evacuation centres for families who have had to leave their homes.
Most of these evacuation schools are in Metro Manila (84 schools).
DepEd also reported that:
- 531 classrooms were destroyed
- 540 classrooms had major damage
- 1,794 classrooms had minor damage
Most of the damaged classrooms are in Region 1 and the Cordillera Region (CAR).
DepEd Actions
DepEd said it told schools to:
- Protect learning materials, records, and equipment
- Prepare for possible floods and landslides
- Use other ways to continue teaching, like home-based learning
They also sent emergency funds to schools to help clean up and fix damage.
Two Storms Still Inside PAR
According to the weather bureau PAGASA, two storms are making the monsoon rains stronger:
- Tropical Storm Dante may leave the Philippines by Thursday, July 25
- Tropical Depression Emong – may exit by Sunday, July 27
These weather systems are expected to bring more rain before they leave.
Reminder to Everyone
DepEd and PAGASA remind the public to stay alert, listen to weather updates, and keep safe during this rainy season.
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