Following the recommendation by the Department of Education (DepEd), led by Secretary Leonor Briones, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered
the deferment of the opening of classes for the incoming school year 2020-2021. The President made the decision, in consideration of areas that are under MECQ, this option will also ensure that all preparations that need to be fortified for the smooth and successful adoption of a blended-type of learning for each and every one of our students, will be done.
Moving the start of classes from August 24 to October 5, 2020, also provides the government and relevant agencies ample time to fulfill the needs of its teachers, learning institutions, and education authorities when they implement the blended learning system of education come October. This as we continue to adapt to the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has created in all educational systems around the world.
As for the PCOO and its attached agencies, we have always been ready and available to support learning under the ‘new normal’, and have offered the use of
our current transmission and communications capabilities, in aiding the provision of our public school students and teachers access to the blended learning that will be provided by DepEd, through our government channels.
This administration looks to not only putting the welfare and learning comprehension of all of our students first, but also to prioritize their safety, and that of our public school teachers, as we all continue to adapt and face the challenges brought about by COVID-19.
