Classes disrupted nationwide as 9K schools close amid Habagat, Neneng

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 19, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Department of Education

PHILIPPINES — Learning was disrupted across the country on Wednesday as 9,009 public schools suspended in-person classes due to the effects of the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and Tropical Depression Neneng.

The Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service said the suspensions affected schools in 94 divisions across 15 regions.

Central Luzon recorded the highest number of affected schools at 2,766, followed by Calabarzon with 2,659 and the Ilocos Region with 1,811. Metro Manila also reported 204 schools suspending face-to-face classes.

The disruption extends beyond classrooms, as schools in several areas have also been converted into temporary evacuation centers for families displaced by the rains and flooding.

DepEd reported that at least 588 families are using schools as evacuation centers, with 81 classrooms in 29 schools currently serving as temporary shelters.

Among the affected areas are Pampanga, Valenzuela and Malolos City, while schools in Dagupan City, Occidental Mindoro, Pasig and Tarlac are also being used to accommodate displaced residents.

DepEd has urged affected schools and field offices to closely monitor weather conditions and maintain contingency plans to protect learners while ensuring learning continuity.

The department is also considering more localized and school-level decisions on when classes can safely resume, along with measures to help students recover lost learning time.

With thousands of schools temporarily closed and classrooms being used as evacuation centers, the weather disturbance is once again putting pressure on the education system to keep learners safe while preventing further disruption to their education.