MANILA — It's been raining this morning, but all systems are go at President Corazon Aquino Elementary School (PCAES) in Batasan, Quezon City for the first day of school.

Students for the morning shift were already in their classrooms, while some parents waited outside.

PCAES is among the largest schools in Quezon City and has the most enrolees at 8,700.

Principal Gerry Isip said they expect at least 300 more students as they continue to accept late enrollees in recognition of delays caused by bad weather.

He said the school has enough classrooms, with each housing class sizes of at least 37 students per shift. 

They also have enough facilities and equipment to accommodate their large population.

However, Isip admitted that the school is short on teachers.

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Schools Division Superintendent Carleen Sedilla said 11 public schools in Quezon City have deferred their opening of classes to August 1st, while four have deferred the start of classes to August 5th due to the recent Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Carina.

Those 11 schools were used as evacuation centers, while the four were damaged and are still undergoing necessary repairs and cleaning.

Overall, the opening of school has been smooth, with regular flag-raising ceremonies and orientation taking place.

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