Pandemic sparks closure of Iloilo Catholic school

A Catholic school in central Philippines has suffered a blow from the coronavirus pandemic and announced it will stop operations by August.

Dominican-run Angelicum School Iloilo (ASIL) will cease operations effective July 31, according to Fr. Maximo Gatela, the school’s director.

The 42-year-old institution in the city of Iloilo’s Jaro district, he said, could no longer survive from the “difficulties” brought by the pandemic.

“The sad part was that ASIL was not ready and failed miserably in delivering the services,” Fr. Gatela admitted in a letter dated May 27.

“As the situation of uncertainty continues, we cannot prolong the 4th grading experience throughout the whole school year nor keep you hanging in the air,” he said.

Fr. Gatela said the school consulted the school’s council of parents on May 9 before coming out with the decision.

But the school offered three options where parents can choose to enrol their children: home study program of UST-Angelicum College; REAP (home study based program virtually for free); and transfer children to other school of their choice.

The priest said the first two options are non-face-to-face and “fit during the pandemic”.