Duterte asks DepEd, CHED to comment on face-to-face classes in low-risk areas

President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to submit position papers on the possibility of face-to-face classes in areas considered as low risk in the spread of COVID-19.

Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said the President asked the DepEd and CHED to put their recommendations in writing. Roque also said the matter was up for further discussion.

“Mayroon pa rin namang panahon para desisyunan. Pero mayroon pong proposal na limited face-to-face, hindi pa po iyan maipapatupad hanggang hindi pa po naaaprubahan ng ating Presidente,” Roque said in a televised briefing.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said on Thursday that the department was open to holding limited physical classes in COVID-19 low risk areas provided that the classes will be scheduled only once or twice every week.

She said the school should have proper hand hygiene facilities and adequate supply of medicines. It should also be near to health facilities.

CHED Chairperson Prospero De Vera III suggested on Wednesday that face-to-face classes could be done in the second semester of the upcoming school year.

Duterte has repeatedly said that he would not allow face-to-face classes until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. -NB, GMA News