DepEd: 100 pilot schools 90% ready for Nov. 15 face-to-face classes

The Department of Education on Tuesday said the 100 public schools are 90% prepared for the pilot implementation of the face-to-face classes in the country on November 15.

At a press conference, DepEd Director Malcolm Garma said some schools are still working on setting up plastic barriers and signages, among others.

“Almost all participating schools are ready for the pilot study on November 15, 2021. On the average, most of them are basically on a 90% above preparation,” he said.

Of the 100 public schools that were previously announced, Garma said that four have been pulled out in Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Zamboanga del Sur, and Davao del Sur.

According to Garma, they backed out because their local government refused to participate and the Department of Health did not approve them.

They were replaced by other public schools in Albay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Davao de Oro.

Based on the list, 10 pilot schools are located in Ilocos, 10 in Central Luzon, five in Calabarzon, nine in the Bicol Region, three in Western Visayas, eight in Central Visayas, and 10 in Eastern Visayas.

Also, eight schools are from Zamboanga, 10 from Northern Mindanao, eight from Davao, five from Soccsksargen,and 14 from Caraga.

The limited face-to-face classes will initially cover 100 public schools and 20 private schools, and will involve Kindergarten to Grade 3 students.

Around 90% of the school staff in the pilot face-to-face classes have already received at least a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

If the pilot yields good results, she said they will add more schools that will hold limited face-to-face classes. — RSJ, GMA News