Zambales schools shift to alternative learning on Aug. 18
Public and private schools in Zambales, Philippines, have shifted to alternative learning methods such as online and modular instruction on August 18, 2023, due to ongoing heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon. This decision follows the declaration of a state of calamity in parts of the province, including Masinloc, which experienced widespread flooding, property damage, and disruptions to critical services and livelihoods. Local governments in several municipalities, along with Olongapo City, have suspended in-person classes across all educational levels. Meanwhile, government offices in these areas have adopted work-from-home arrangements, except for those providing essential services like health care, disaster response, and emergency operations. The directive comes from Memorandum Circular No. 128 issued by Malacañang, which mandates alternative work arrangements in government offices and alternative learning in schools unless local authorities specify otherwise. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) had issued an Orange Rainfall Warning for the region, predicting 100 to 200 millimeters of rain.
Classes were suspended anew in all Zambales towns and Olongapo on Thursday, August 13, just one day after resuming following previous disruptions caused by heavy rains. The decision followed the continuation of the southwest monsoon system, which has led to persistent rainfall across the region. The suspension affected 13 municipalities, including Subic, Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Antonio, San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba, Palauig, and others, impacting both public and private educational institutions at all levels. The latest suspension comes after a brief period of normalcy, during which schools had reopened for students following earlier closures. However, the return to in-person instruction was short-lived as the weather conditions deteriorated once more. Local authorities cited ongoing rainfall as the primary reason for the renewed closure, emphasizing the need to prioritize student safety and prevent potential accidents related to wet roads and unstable infrastructure. On Tuesday, August 18, public and private schools in Zambales will transition to alternative learning methods, such as online or modular instruction, according to a directive issued by the Department of Education. This shift follows a similar advisory from the national government, which mandated alternative work arrangements for government offices in the same regions. The move was prompted by Pagasa’s issuance of an Orange Rainfall Warning, predicting up to 200 millimeters of rain over the coming days, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides. Local governments in San Marcelino, Palauig, Masinloc, and Candelaria, along with Olongapo City, have officially announced the suspension of face-to-face classes. Schools in these areas are being urged to implement remote or hybrid learning strategies to maintain academic progress. Government agencies in the same jurisdictions have also adopted work-from-home policies, though certain departments, such as those responsible for health, disaster response, and emergency operations, will continue functioning normally to address immediate community needs. Masinloc, in particular, has declared a state of calamity due to severe flooding, extensive property damage, and the disruption of essential services. Authorities there have ordered specific teams within municipal offices, such as those in engineering, disaster response, health, social welfare, treasury, budget, accounting, and human resources, to remain on standby to manage the crisis effectively. These personnel are tasked with ensuring the uninterrupted provision of vital services despite the adverse weather conditions. The nationwide directive, Memorandum Circular No. 128, issued by Malacañang, outlines the measures required for both education and administrative functions. It applies to all of Zambales and mandates the use of alternative learning and work arrangements unless local officials provide exceptions. While several local government units have shared the circular on their official platforms, none have confirmed whether they plan to introduce additional or modified guidelines beyond the central government’s recommendations. Pagasa has reiterated its warnings about the intensity of the upcoming rainfall, urging residents to take precautions against the dangers associated with heavy downpours. The agency has highlighted the heightened risks in flood-prone, mountainous, and elevated areas, advising communities to stay informed and prepared for potential emergencies. As the situation develops, further updates are expected regarding the impact of the monsoon season on daily life and infrastructure in Zambales.
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