According to a statement from Dra. Shirley Zipagan, the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Pampanga, the agency will continue to accept enrollees until the end of September.

As a result, it is projected that the number of enrollees for the School Year 2023-2024 will reach between 375,000 to 380,000.

Currently, 345,514 students have already enrolled in 564 public schools in Pampanga.

During a press conference, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Pampanga, Dr. Melissa Sanchez, affirmed that preparations are in full swing, even in the face of recent flood challenges. Notably, two schools in Macabebe town continue to grapple with floodwaters on their premises. However, these inundations are now limited to school grounds and have not infiltrated the actual classrooms. This positive shift instills confidence in the education authorities that they can successfully execute face-to-face classes across their jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the province of Bulacan has witnessed a similar triumph over adversity. The Schools Division of Bulacan’s Curriculum Implementation Chief, Greg Quinto, reported that the aftermath of Typhoon Egay had caused a staggering 174 schools to be temporarily submerged. In a testament to resilience and effective recovery, these schools have now managed to dry out, eradicating the floodwaters that had been brought about by the unforgiving succession of typhoons and monsoons.

Despite these encouraging advances, the coastal areas of Bulacan are still monitored with a watchful eye. The threat of flooding during high tide lingers as a concern for educators. Quinto emphasized that if water levels remain manageable, students will seamlessly resume their regular classes in these coastal institutions. However, should water levels escalate to hazardous degrees, an agile contingency plan is in place: the seamless transition to modular or online classes.

The fortitude exhibited by public schools in Central Luzon serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges posed by nature’s wrath, educators and students alike are poised to embrace the return of face-to-face learning, ensuring that education remains undeterred by the trials of the environment.