Classes resume today; monsoon rain seen until Tuesday

The Department of Education (DepEd) has denied that classes in elementary and high school levels in the country would again be suspended today due to inclement weather.

- By EVELYN MACAIRAN and CHRISTINE BOTON

Schools in Quezon City are the only ones to be canceled due to President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The DepEd yesterday posted the clarification on its Facebook page, after an AI-generated video circulated online spreading misinformation about the cancellation of classes.

The agency branded the AI-generated video as "fake news."

"An AI video from an FB page regarding an alleged suspension of classes tomorrow, July 28, is fake news," the DepEd said, reminding the public to be careful when receiving such information.

"They (public) should be critical against any form of misinformation," it said.

The public should also only refer to the DepEd's official social media accounts for announcements and information about basic education.

Quezon City earlier announced the suspension of all classes in public and private schools, as Marcos is expected to deliver his SONA at the Batasang Pambansa complex this afternoon.

DepEd clarified yesterday that elementary and high school face-to-face classes may resume today, provided that the buildings are not being used as evacuation centers (ECs) and the local governments have not suspended classes in their areas.

DepEd media officer Dennis Legaspi said as of 5 p.m. yesterday, out of the 794 schools used as ECs, 434 have already been decamped, while 360 remain open.

"Decamped" refers to school buildings that were previously used as ECs.

"Schools that have been vacated, have completed cleaning and clearing operations may resume their face-to-face classes as early as tomorrow, July 28, unless their respective local government units declare class suspensions due to other local conditions," Legaspi said yesterday.