Mandaue City Schools Welcome Back Students After Month-Long Disruption
Public schools across Mandaue City officially reopened their doors for in-person learning on Thursday, November 13, 2025, marking a significant step toward educational normalcy after weeks of disruptions. The announcement came from Dr. Edgar Espina, Mandaue Administrative Officer of the Department of Education (DepEd), who confirmed the coordinated return to classrooms throughout the city.
While most educational institutions have fully transitioned back to traditional classroom settings, several campuses continue to operate under blended learning arrangements because their facilities are still serving as temporary shelters for evacuees affected by recent calamities.
Blended Learning Continues in Affected Areas
Dr. Espina provided clarity on the current educational landscape, explaining that schools cleared of evacuees are now fully operational for face-to-face instruction. However, institutions still housing displaced families have implemented flexible learning approaches to accommodate both students and evacuees.
"Yes, we've resumed face-to-face classes today, November 13, for all schools. However, for those schools that still have evacuees, they are currently adopting blended learning," Espina stated. He emphasized that the specific type of blended learning implementation varies according to each school head's discretion and available resources.
Current adaptations include utilizing vacant rooms where available, implementing modular learning systems, and establishing rotational schedules to manage space constraints. DepEd regulations permit the use of schools as evacuation centers for up to 15 days, though Espina noted that institutions don't necessarily need to utilize the entire period if evacuees can return home sooner.
Academic Recovery Efforts Underway
The return to classrooms follows a challenging month of educational interruptions caused by multiple consecutive events, including a significant earthquake, Typhoon Tino, and a scheduled teachers' health break. These disruptions have created substantial academic catching-up for students across the city.
"Because of these events, students now have a lot to make up for," Espina acknowledged. "But during those days without physical classes, they continued modular work, so learning never completely stopped."
This week, students are focusing primarily on review activities, with formal examinations scheduled for the following week. Despite the academic challenges, Espina expressed optimism about the psychological benefits of returning to traditional classrooms.
"Now that face-to-face classes are back, I hope our learners, especially the high school students, will be excited again to see their classmates — and maybe even their crushes," he remarked with lighthearted encouragement.
Infrastructure and Emotional Support Measures
Fortunately, no major structural damage to school buildings was reported during Typhoon Tino, though flooding presented significant operational challenges. "The flood really caused the disaster," Espina explained. "The winds and rain were manageable for schools, but flooding was the real challenge."
Recognizing the emotional toll recent events have taken on students, DepEd Mandaue has partnered with the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) to provide psychosocial support interventions. Teachers have been instructed to show understanding and flexibility toward students whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
"Our DepEd teachers are always pro-student," Espina assured. "Whatever our learners need, we'll provide. Whatever they're going through, we'll understand and adjust."
Specific areas like Barangay Tingub continue operating under blended learning models as several classrooms there remain occupied by evacuees. The city council is considering requesting an extension for using schools as evacuation centers from the DepEd Regional Director, though no formal letter has been submitted yet.
Espina concluded with a message of reassurance to parents and students: "Our goal is not just to restore normal classes, but also to bring back hope and enthusiasm among our students." The educational community remains committed to helping learners recover both academically and emotionally from recent disruptions.
