WATCH: Empty classrooms as Philippines starts classes during pandemic

On Monday, October 5, over 24 million students in the country started classes again in the middle of a pandemic.

But unlike school openings in previous years, campuses on Monday stayed closed and face-to-face lessons remained suspended due to the continuing threat of COVID-19.

Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive for schools to delay face-to-face classes until a coronavirus vaccine becomes available, the Department of Education has shifted to distance learning. (READ: FAST FACTS: DepEd’s distance learning)

Rappler’s Bonz Magsambol checks the situation of teachers, students, and parents in Pasig City as they face the challenges of a new school year.. – Rappler.com