Number of private schools suspending operations this academic year rises to 846

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 12) — In a matter of two days, 98 more private schools offering basic education informed the Department of Education they will suspend operations for the academic year 2020 to 2021.

DepEd Undersecretary Jesus Mateo told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Weekend that as of Friday, September 11, there are 846 private education institutions that were not operating amid the shift to distance learning and low enrollment turnout. DepEd data as of September 9 showed that 748 schools were suspending operations.

READ: 748 private schools suspend operations this school year, DepEd says

“Karamihan po dito 'yung mga elementary,” Mateo said.

[Translation: Most of those stopping operations are elementary schools.]

He said that to date, 398,000 learners who used to go to private schools have transferred to public schools where costs are lower, reflecting the impact of the economic crisis brought about by COVID-19.

But the official urged parents and guardians who may have qualms about sending their children to a new type of school to reconsider their decision. He argued that the kids may have a hard time catching up with lessons once they skip one academic year.

Based on a DepEd order, late enrollees can be accepted in schools as long as they “meet 80 percent of the prescribed number of school days for each school year and the quarterly requirement to pass the grade level as governed by the latest existing applicable DepEd issuances.”