The opening of classes for school year 2020-2021 on August 24 will push through amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has clarified that distance learning will be strictly implemented and that face-to-face classes will not be conducted under the New Normal. “Blended learning” will also be considered.
According to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, the date of the opening of classes cannot be extended.
“Karamihan ng Southeast Asian countries is July ang umpisa nila. Kaya itong August 24 ay pinaka dulo na talaga ng what is legally allowed as opening of classes, kaya ipagpatuloy natin ito (Majority of the Southeast Asian countries have started [their classes] in July. That’s why August 24 is the last option of what is legally allowed as opening of classes so let’s push through with it).”
Sec. Briones also stated that classes must open while the students are still interested.
“Kung mag-delay tayo ng 6 months, almost 6months ang delay natin ng pagsara ng school. Our children will also be older by 6 months, at saka iba na naman ang kanilang learning needs, iba na naman ang kanilang socio-emotional status and expectations. So madedehado talaga sila. Maiiwan sila (If we delay for 6 months, that is almost 6 months of delay in school closing. Our children will also be older by 6 months and they will have different learning needs and different socio-emotional status and expectations. So they will be at a disadvantage. They will be left behind).”
All schools are given the authority by the department to use its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) to produce different learning modules. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
