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Public schools, SUCs must open classes in January 2021 –Trillanes


Opening of classes in the country's public schools and universities should be postponed until January 2021 as the country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, former senator and now University of the Philippines professor Antonio Trillanes IV said Friday.

"In light of the uncertainties and anxieties brought about by the COVID-19 health threat, I am respectfully urging DepEd [Department of Education] and CHED [Commission on Higher Education] to reconsider their declaration of Aug. 24 opening of classes," he said in a statement.

Trillanes, a professor at the UP College of Public Administration and Governance, proposed to open classes in public elementary and high schools in January—eight months from now.

He added that state universities and colleges (SUCs) should also do the same, except for graduate schools that would implement full online courses starting August 2020.

Private schools, in all levels, may open as scheduled provided that they use full online classes and no laboratory activities, according to the former senator.

Also, distance learning and homeschooling may continue as scheduled, he added.

"Congress may pass a joint resolution to this effect to suspend Section 3 of RA 7797," Trillanes pointed out.

Earlier, the Department of Education announced that the school year will start on August 24, but underscored that the traditional classroom setup won't be necessary, and blended forms of learning shall be used.

DepEd chief Briones emphasized that face-to-face learning “shall only be allowed when the local risk severity grading permits, and subject to compliance with minimum health standards.”

Private schools have also been allowed to open as early as June, provided that they won't use face-to-face learning modes.

On the other hand, the CHED had said universities using the old academic calendar, where classes start in June, shall adjust their academic year and begin "flexible learning" in August. —LBG, GMA News

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