Despite opposition, makeup classes to proceed

National

EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara clarified that makeup classes will push through despite some opposition coming from teachers’ groups.

Angara said the makeup classes are meant to reduce learning loss after the widespread suspension of classes due to tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon that caused flooding.

“We really plan to have makeup classes because if we don’t do that, it will affect our kids,” said Angara during the launching of the Quality Basic Education Development Plan (QBEDP) 2025-2035 on Tuesday, July 29.

Per a report by Philstar, Angara pointed out that the schools hold the decision of the implementation of makeup classes.

“We can have extra time on weekdays. We can also do it on Saturdays. We also look at the schedule of our teachers because we want our teachers to rest,” he added.

The chairman of Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Vlademir Quetua, stated that it is too early for the Department of Education (DepEd) to call for makeup classes, citing that the agency can still use the buffer days allotted in the school calendars.

Quetua recognized Angara's concern regarding the learning loss but emphasized that the academic calendar was tailored with buffer days to accommodate such concerns.

The chairman of Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and Caloocan City teacher Benjo Basas also voiced concerns regarding the plan, specifically on the proposal to conduct Saturday classes. He warned that such plans could violate existing policies and add more stress to students and educators during calamities.

Basas noted that Saturday classes contradicts long-standing work-life balance advocacy of DepEd. He also cited the guidelines of the department, which only allows makeup classes when the mandated 180 non-negotiable school days are not followed.

Classes were suspended in several provinces including Metro Manila for at least a week because of the combined impact of cyclones ‘Crising’, ‘Dante’, ‘Emong’, and the southwest monsoon. (Marlon Ado Jr., USC Comm Intern)