Bulacan schools to start in-person classes

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — Up to 109 schools in Bulacan will resume face-to-face classes on Feb. 21.

Twenty-six of the schools are in San Jose del Monte, 13 in Malolos, seven in Meycauayan and 63 in other areas in the province.

“The four Department of Education (DepEd) schools division offices in Bulacan were given the clearance to proceed with the conduct of in-person classes in basic education through Executive Order 5 issued by Gov. Daniel Fernando,” Bulacan schools division superintendent Zenia Mostoles said.

Malolos schools division superintendent Norma Esteban said their teams have been preparing the participating schools in coordination with the city government for the safe return of students for in-person classes.

The San Jose del Monte schools division validated the schools that are ready to conduct limited face-to-face classes.

“Local government officials, private schools, parents and learners were given updates regarding preparations of the validated schools through coordination meetings and Interaksyon San Joseño series,” schools division superintendent Merlina Cruz said. ”The Interaksyon served as a platform for all stakeholders to clarify issues and concerns.”

Education Secretary Leonor Briones authorized all regional directors to start the progressive expansion phase of face-to-face classes for both public and private schools.

Only schools in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2 are allowed to resume in-person classes.