Ilocos Norte province has hit nearly 90 percent of its 88,000 enrollment target for the school year 2024-2025, with about 78,720 students already enrolled in both the public and private schools as of 4 p.m. Monday.

“All 364 schools started classes smoothly today with no major problems encountered so far,” Valerie Gabriana Talamayan, information officer designate of the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte told Philippine News Agency while monitoring the opening of classes in various schools in the province.

In a video message, Donato Balderas Jr., Ilocos Norte schools division superintendent, congratulated everyone for the successful opening of classes amid the aftermath of Super Typhoon Carina and the effects of the southwest monsoon.

“It is commendable that we are one of the few provincial school divisions in the country, particularly in Luzon, that posted a 100 percent opening of classes in all the schools right on the national schedule and in the aftermath of typhoon Carina,” he said.

At 6:30 a.m., students of the Ilocos Norte National High School, the school with the highest population here, convened at the school quadrangle for the first Monday convocation.

To ensure the smooth flow of traffic within the school belt, police authorities provided augmentation to traffic enforcers.

Talamayan said: “Enrollment is still ongoing and the updating of enrollees is through their advisers using the department’s online system.”

In Laoag, some of the 800 learners of the Laoag Central School were advised to take turns using the available classrooms on the ground floor of the school buildings as the second floor is being renovated.

“Hopefully, we will be able to finish the renovation (replacement of ceilings and comfort rooms) before the end of August,” school principal Cornelio Jimmy Lucas said.

He said renovation was partly hampered by the impact of Carina that enhanced the southwest monsoon.

Non-stop rains from the two weather disturbances drenched several schools in the province, with around PHP5.7 million in estimated damage to 23 classrooms in 12 schools.

These schools are now being fixed amid the school opening, according to school’s division disaster risk reduction and management office. (PNA)