Classes in Metro Manila open smoothly

MANILA, Philippines — Classes in Metro Manila opened smoothly yesterday, with local officials highlighting security measures and support initiatives for returning learners.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported a peaceful and orderly opening of classes nationwide as it maintained preventive security measures in schools.

In Valenzuela, 78,453 kindergarten and elementary pupils from 44 public schools received school supplies.

Mayor Wes Gatchalian recognized 150 members of District 2’s Bantay Estudyante program, giving them emergency and safety kits to aid in traffic management near schools.

In Pasig, classes resumed at Rizal High School, where over 11,000 students are enrolled this year, with more expected in the coming days.

School authorities reported that six students experienced dizziness, while one learner briefly lost consciousness due to heat and overcrowding during the flag ceremony.

In Malabon, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval joined activities at the city’s elementary and national high schools, leading the distribution of hot meals to around 6,159 students.

In San Juan, Mayor Francis Zamora inspected Pinaglabanan Elementary School.

Before classes resumed, Zamora said the city government will distribute 13,000 tablets to public school students to replace older city-issued devices.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said over 55,000 security personnel were deployed under “Oplan Balik Eskwela.”

Perpetrators of fake social media posts claiming that classes were postponed yesterday will “face appropriate legal consequences,” Nartatez said. — Emmanuel Tupas