The Department of Education (DepEd) 7 and school administrators are intensifying preparations for the opening of public school classes on Monday, June 8, 2026. DepEd 7 Director Arturo Bayocot confirmed that teachers are simultaneously managing campus readiness and training for a revised senior high school curriculum.
Revised Curriculum Implementation
Bayocot explained that School Year 2026-2027 will introduce the revised curriculum for Grade 11, alongside updates for Grades 9 and 10. This marks a significant shift in the educational framework. “Just like Brigada Eskwela, that’s physical preparation. But ongoing is also the training of our teachers for the revised curriculum, especially the strengthened Senior High School,” said Bayocot.
Teacher Workload Concerns
The convergence of curriculum changes and physical preparations has placed an additional burden on educators. Bayocot acknowledged that teachers are feeling overwhelmed by the overlapping activities. “That’s why our teachers are a bit overwhelmed due to the overlapping of activities, but it does not stop the schools from really proceeding and pursuing the Brigada Eskwela for the entire week,” he added.
Flooding Challenges at Mayor A.S. Fortuna Memorial Elementary School
Principal Karem Bolok of Mayor A.S. Fortuna Memorial Elementary School in Mandaue City reported that faculty members have been working beyond regular hours to ensure school readiness. “I hope we are really ready this Monday because, anyway, we won’t stop until Friday. We said that the school cleanup drive is until June 1 to 5. We will extend until Sunday, and we will see to it that we will be ready. We must be ready,” Bolok stated.
The school is also adapting to a new three-term system beginning this school year. Additionally, persistent flooding remains a critical issue. The campus serves as a catch basin during heavy rains, causing floodwaters to enter classrooms. “The flood comes from the outside and enters … If it’s heavy, it goes inside the classroom. Until there are times it even reaches the window. So, it’s that bad, then it becomes a swimming pool,” Bolok described.
Emergency Safety Protocols
Due to safety hazards posed by deep floodwaters, the school implements an emergency standard operating procedure. During flash floods, teachers keep students inside classrooms and do not allow children to walk home alone. “When the rain starts, the parents automatically come here because they get worried about their children. If classes have already started, as discussed by the teachers, some of the teachers won’t let the children leave because it becomes harder to get out. We just wait until such time that the water goes down,” Bolok explained.
Student safety remains the top priority, even if teachers must stay beyond working hours while waiting for parents or guardians. “We don’t let the child go home if there’s no one to fetch them because that’s during class hours. We don’t know where the child might wander off, or what might happen. There are instances where the teacher stays late into the night because the child is still here, not yet fetched. Especially the small ones,” Bolok added.
When parents cannot reach the school due to rising floodwaters, administrators use verification protocols through direct messaging before releasing a student to an older sibling or relative.
Health Measures and Infrastructure Needs
The school continues to implement health measures, including mosquito-control treatments to prevent dengue outbreaks. However, a long-term solution to the flooding problem depends on funding. Bolok said the school is awaiting the release of Local School Board funds for infrastructure upgrades, specifically a drainage system to divert runoff and protect students from flooding.
