Written by: Phoebe Carios
Visual by: CJ Limjap
As of September 2021, the Philippines is still in distance learning for all schools nationwide. In addition, the rainy season starts from June to November in the country. The most recent occurrence is Typhoon Jolina, the tenth tropical cyclone entering the Philippines in 2021. It is also the first typhoon that has occurred during the month of September, being labelled as a Signal No. 2 in many places across the country.
Many schools during distance learning operate synchronously through online classes. However, because of the heavy storms, connectivity and signals become very poor, and in some places, completely die out. Because of this, many schools in some areas have suspended their classes. In eastern Samar–where they were placed at signal no. 3–the arrival of Typhoon Jolina has caused a power outage in the entire provincial area, causing the local government to suspend school in private and public schools for all levels. Metro Manila, where milder effects were projected, also experienced light to heavy rains due to the thunderstorm. As a result, internet difficulties also occurred.
However, there are some places in the Philippines where the intensity of the storm has caused more than just internet disruption regardless of the signal they are placed under. According to the Inquirer, in Quezon–where signal no. 2 was raised– about 5,936 were evacuated to shelters and evacuation centers for a while due to the strong effects of Typhoon Jolina. Many of these residents who were evacuated lived in areas that are heavily exposed to strong floods and landslides. Butanguiad, a village in San Francisco town in Quezon, had their dam destroyed by the typhoon. Evidently, this would cause a complete halt to schooling as it puts a humanitarian burden on communities where all hands need to be on deck. People are forced to leave their homes for their own safety whether they are an adult or a student.
Because harsh weather can be very common during the rainy season, the Department of Education (DepEd) is trying to be more flexible and understanding towards students who are unable to attend or complete academic assignments. Diosdado San Antonio, the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, says that DepEd’s policy on attendance during the distance learning period would be primarily based on their learning situation. Because synchronous learning via online classes is the only mode of learning where taking attendance is comparable to systems present during in person classes, this is virtually the only way where the traditional way of taking attendance may be achievable. However, he echoes that weather conditions should be strongly considered for evaluations of students’ involvement in online classes.
In conclusion, here in the Philippines, the weather is a significant factor in the ability to be able to attend classes regardless of whether it is during distance learning or in in-person classes. It is imperative that students are given the flexibility they need during times like these. Class attendance should not be something they are pressured with amidst environmental disasters.
Works Cited
Delfin T. Mallari Jr. “‘Jolina’ Prompts Evacuation of 5,936 Residents in Quezon.” INQUIRER.net, Sept. 2021, newsinfo.inquirer.net/1485166/jolina-prompts-evacuation-of-5936-residents-in-quezon. Accessed 12 Sept. 2021.
“DepEd to Be ‘Flexible’ on Class Attendance Especially during Inclement Weather.” Manila Bulletin, 14 Oct. 2020, mb.com.ph/2020/10/14/deped-to-be-flexible-on-class-attendance-especially-during-inclement-weather/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2021.
GMA News. “Jolina Causes Power Outage, Cancellations of Work and Classes, Road Obstructions.” GMA News Online, 2015, www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/802338/jolina-causes-power-outage-cancellations-of-work-and-classes-road-obstructions/story/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2021.
Moaje, Marita. “Elementary, HS Classes in Manila Suspended due to Bad Weather.” @Pnagovph, Philippine News Agency, 8 Sept. 2021, www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152900. Accessed 12 Sept. 2021.
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