Rody Expands Face-To-Face Pilot Classes To More Schools

President Duterte has given the go-ahead to the Department of Education (DepEd) to increase the number of schools slated to participate in the pilot resumption of face-to-face classes.

DepEd said the initial 100 public schools will proceed with their reopening of in-person classes on Monday, Nov. 15, while 20 private schools will follow on Nov. 22 as the department identifies more schools to be included in the pilot study.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier this week appealed to the President to delegate the authority to expand the number of participating schools to DepEd and the Department of Health (DOH), which he approved.

DepEd Wants More Schools Included In Pilot F2F Classes

The DepEd said that it will announce the additional pilot schools once they are assessed and validated to be qualified for inclusion in the list.

This will be determined based on DepEd’s evaluation of school readiness and the DOH assessment of the COVID-risk level.

Data from the department showed there are 484 schools out of 638 that have passed its granular risk assessment.

DepEd said it has also received appeals from local government units, including those in Metro Manila, to have schools in their jurisdiction join the pilot implementation.

“We will announce the additional pilot schools once validated. The expansion of the number of pilot schools will allow a greater degree of experience among all our regions that will serve us well for the expanded phase of face-to-face classes,” the department added.

DepEd said it hopes for continuous support from all stakeholders to welcome back learners to schools on a limited basis starting next week.

“With operational guidelines and our shared responsibility framework in place, we assure everyone that this pilot program will remain consistent with relevant public health standards, rules and regulations,” it added.

There will be a total of 14 participating schools in Caraga, 10 participating schools each from Ilocos region, Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas and Central Luzon, and nine from Bicol region.

There will also be eight public schools from Central Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula and Davao.

Meanwhile, there will be five participating schools each from Calabarzon, Soccsksargen, as well as three public schools in Western Visayas.

Parents Won’t Be Forced To Consent To In-Person Classes