MANILA, Philippines— As President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) approved its pilot implementation on Monday, September 20, 2021, limited face-to-face classes will soon be held in selected public and private schools across the nation in regions with low risk for COVID-19.
In a news conference, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque made this announcement and outlined guidelines for the pilot implementation, as approved by PRRD.
Secretary Roque said, “ito po ay gagawin na kalahating araw every other week at ito po ay sa mga lugar na low risk na ide-determine po ng ating DOH. Kinakailangan po papasa sa safety criteria na safety assessment po ng DepEd.”
According to the Palace official, the pilot implementation, which will last two months, should have the support of the local government unit (LGU) in the form of a letter of resolution or letter of support, as well as permission from parents of learners in the form of written consent.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones said that the pilot face-to-face classes would be held in 100 public schools and 20 private institutions.
Secretary Briones went on to say that the DepEd is already drafting the curriculum and other details for the pilot, which she claimed the Department has been planning for a long time, taking into consideration how other nations are handling it in the present circumstances.
The Education Secretary emphasized that DepEd is unlikely to select an area under Enhanced Community Quarantine or Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine for the trial. Briones underlined that the President's order is to test face-to-face classes in regions with extremely low COVID-19 risk. —Tacloban News Update (Source: Office of the President)