THE Department of Education- Division of Davao City (DepEd-Davao City) announced that around 15 schools will shift to a blended learning modality on March 28, 2025, particularly due to road closures scheduled for the global prayer rally to celebrate the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte (FPRRD).
DepEd-Davao City Superintendent Reynante Solitario confirmed to SunStar Davao on March 26 that schools from kindergarten to Senior High School (SHS) in the downtown area would implement blended learning. He also noted that teachers and non-teaching personnel would adopt a work-from-home setup.
The temporary shift, according to him, aims to prevent disruptions for students and school personnel.
The 15 affected public schools include Palma Gil Elementary School, Bolton Elementary School, Kapt. Tomas Monteverde Central Elementary School, Magallanes Elementary School, Erico Nograles National High School, Davao City National High School, Sta. Ana National High School, Sta. Ana Central Elementary School, Jose Rizal Elementary School, Manuel Roxas Elementary School, Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School, CP Garcia Senior High School, Doña Pilar Elementary School, Wireless Elementary School, and Cesario Villa-Abrille Elementary School.
Meanwhile, Christopher Pulido, supervising education program specialist of the Commission on Higher Education-Davao Region (Ched-Davao), clarified with SunStar Davao that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have the discretion to suspend classes as needed. “HEIs have the option and authority to suspend classes due to this reason as they see fit. Ched does not suspend classes, but the HEIs can because they are more familiar with the situation on the ground,” Pulido said.
As of press time, universities and colleges in Davao City have yet to announce any class suspensions in connection with the upcoming political rally.
The 20th City Council has approved temporary road closures in line with the Rody at 80: Global Celebration of His Life and Legacy, commemorating former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday.
During the council session on March 25, Councilor Conrado Baluran proposed Resolution No. 04184-25, which grants the temporary road closure request made by Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod Party Deputy Secretary Mikhal Evasco.
Baluran, who chairs the committee on transportation and communications, said that the closures are necessary to facilitate the event.
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) announced that road closures will take effect from 1 p.m. on March 28 until the end of the event. The affected roads include C.M. Recto Avenue from San Pedro Street to Magsaysay Avenue and Roxas Avenue from Quezon Boulevard to C. Bangoy Street.
Additionally, a temporary closure was implemented at 1 a.m. on March 26 along C.M. Recto Avenue, covering the corner of Roxas Avenue, to accommodate event preparations.
Motorists have been advised to take alternate routes. “During this period, traffic flow may be affected, and we kindly advise motorists to take alternate routes where possible. Signages and traffic personnel will be deployed to assist in ensuring smooth movement,” the CTTMO stated in a Facebook post.
Supporters of Duterte, led by Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL), are urging the public to join the event at 3 p.m. on March 28, as part of a global movement calling for his return from the Netherlands.
Duterte was brought to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 11, 2025, to face allegations of crimes against humanity. His pre-trial hearing was held on March 14, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has scheduled confirmation of the charges hearing on September 25.
Various gatherings are set to take place in Kibawe, Bukidnon; Alabel, Sarangani; Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro; Paco Arena, Manila; San Pedro, Laguna; and Baguio City. Additional rallies will be held in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Valencia City and Malaybalay City in Bukidnon; Lucena, Quezon; Zamboanga City; Freedom Park in Davao City; and Lipa City, Batangas.
Prayer rallies will continue on March 29 in locations including Melvin Jones, Baguio City; Surallah, South Cotabato; Digos City, Davao del Sur; Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; and Mati City, Davao Oriental. Other gatherings are planned in Bansalan, Davao del Sur; Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; Tagum City, Davao del Norte; Kidapawan City, North Cotabato; Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Sawata in San Isidro, Davao del Norte; and Peñaplata in the Island Garden City of Samal.
Duterte’s supporters overseas have also organized events in the United States, including Houston, Texas; Times Square, New York; Michigan; and Kansas. In Canada, gatherings will take place in Toronto, Ontario; Saskatchewan; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Similar events are also set for Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, in Europe, supporters are planning to hold a demonstration outside the ICC building in The Hague, Netherlands. RGP