MORE than 600 private schools offering basic education will cease operations this school year, according to the Department of Education. In a briefing, Jesus Mateo, undersecretary for Planning, Human Resource and Organizational Development, and Field Operations, said 676 schools have announced that they will close this school year. However, he clarified that the closure could only be temporary. "If it looks good next year, they will open it," Mateo said. Education Secretary Leonor Briones said two of the reasons for the closure of schools were low enrollment turnout and the transfer of teachers to public schools. Briones hopes that the plan of the said private schools will change, especially as the country's economy improves. “I am anticipating that they might also consider their position because the economy has improved. The main reason given is the migration of students and teachers, "he said. "So if there is a solution and then the economy improves, they may also change their outlook," he added. DepEd previously reported that about 250,000 students from private schools have moved to public schools.
