MANILA – Ninety-eight percent of public schools nationwide opened classes on Monday, the Department of Education said. 

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said around 840 schools from several regions postponed their classes due to the impact of typhoon Carina and the enhanced habagat. These schools may conduct make-up classes on Saturdays for the missed lessons.

As of 7 a.m., around 19 million learners have enrolled in schools nationwide, but DepEd expects the number to reach 27.7 million with enrollment activities extended until September 16.

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Angara visited the Carmona National High School and Carmona Elementary School in Cavite early Monday to check first day of classes.

This is the first time a DepEd Secretary visited the said schools, according to the teachers. 

School Principal Jose Samson said their facilities were not affected by typhoon Carina and the habagat.

Around 5,000 learners joined the school opening at Carmona National High School, while more than 2,000 students were present in Carmona Elementary School.

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Angara entered some classrooms to check on the learning methods used by teachers.

He asked learners and teachers about their psychological well-being following the impact of the typhoon. 

He assured teachers that their P5,000 tax-free P5,000 chalk allowance would be distributed within the day.

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Angara is also scheduled to visit Muntinlupa National High School and Casimiro Ynares Sr in Taytay Rizal.

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