6,122 schools resume in-person classes

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 6,122 schools nationwide have resumed limited face-to-face classes as of Thursday, according to the Department of Education.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said that while the government looks forward to the full implementation of in-person classes, the department would continue the hybrid learning modality.

“Full blast na tayo sa pag-implement ng face-to-face, pero gusto kong ulitin na ang ating konspeto iba sa nasanayan natin na maghapon kaharap ang teacher. Ang face-to-face bahagi ng blended learning natin na combination ng online, modules at ibat-ibang paraan para lalo matuto ang kabataan,” Briones told a virtual press briefing.

Briones said more schools are expected to resume in-person classes now that more areas are under the most lenient Alert Level 1.

She said DepEd regional offices have nominated 2,244 schools that passed the safety assessment and can join the expansion phase of face-to-face classes.

Zamboanga peninsula has the most number of nominated schools followed by Bicol.

Briones said they rely on the recommendation of the Department of Health and concurrence of local government units in expanding in-person classes depending on the COVID-19 situation in their area.

She stressed the need to balance the health and safety of both learners and teachers.

DepEd has released P977.4 million to regional units and its main office for the expansion of in-person classes nationwide.

Aside from face-to-face classes, Briones said DepEd hopes to conduct in-person recognition rites and graduation ceremonies this year.

In Ilocos, Cesar Bucsit, DepEd regional public affairs unit head, said 161 schools have been holding face-to-face classes as of Feb. 21.

Bucsit said 58 of the schools are in Pangasinan, 53 in Ilocos Norte and 55 in Ilocos Sur.

He said no school in La Union and Dagupan has resumed in-person classes, but eight and five, respectively, are ready.

Bucsit said inspection of target areas is ongoing and they expect the number of schools joining in-person classes to increase.

Face-to-face classes are allowed only in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2. – Eva Visperas