President Rodrigo R. Duterte has approved the recommendation of Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones to have “limited” face-to-face classes under specific conditions.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the conditions are first, limited face-to-face classes are only allowed in low-risk areas or classified under Moderate General Community Quarantine. Second, it will start from January 2021 or the third quarter of the school year. Third, the schools must have close coordination with the DepEd, local government units (LGUs) and local health authorities. Fourth is stringent health standards must be strictly followed. Lastly, there must be a pilot testing and inspection.
DepEd Sec. Briones pointed out that face-to-face classes are not mandatory since it will undergo a thorough process and only schools that are qualified will be allowed. Only a limited number of students will be permitted to participate.
The Education Secretary added that parents have other options such as going online or making use of television and radio if they choose not to go through with the face-to-face classes so that the students’ education will not be halted. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
