The Department of Education (DepEd) will take the postponement to October 5 as an opportunity to iron out preparations for the opening of school year 2020-2021.
According to Secretary Leonor Briones, each division of the department is ensuring to smooth out the requirements for the learning continuity plan of DepEd including distance learning. What has been started in its dry run of modalities of distance learning such as DepEd TV will be continued.
The DepEd is also focusing on the needed budget for the learning continuity plan amidst the pandemic. The department admits that even before the health emergency, there was already shortage in funds but necessary adjustments are now being made.
For the peace of mind of teachers, the education department is coordinating with PhilHealth and pushing that they be considered as frontliners once classes start. Following the minimum health standards strictly is also being reiterated.
Sec. Briones has also clarified that schools that have started their classes particularly private schools will not be halted by the DepEd. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
