DepEd will disallow face-to-face classes —Briones

The Department of Education will not allow face-to-face classes in the coming school year due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat, DepED Secretary Leonor Briones said on Thursday.

“I would like to emphasize: There is no conflict, there is no disagreement, there is no debate between the pronouncement of the president and of the department because they are exactly the same,” Briones said during a public briefing.

“We will not allow face to face na physical na…nagdidikitan ang mga bata. Hindi papayagan yan din ng DepEd,” she added.

On Sunday, the DepEd said the conduct of face-to-face classes will depend on the risk level of the areas where the schools are located.

Last Monday, however, President Rodrigo Duterte opposed the resumption of classes with the physical attendance of students.

“Sinasabi natin na patuloy pa rin ang edukasyon sa ibang pamamaraan,” Briones  said.

According to Briones, the DepEd will pursue the class resumption through alternative approaches like blended learning at flexible learning.

The DepEd is working on using broadcast media and the internet to deliver education to students. The department has been crafting self-learning modules that will be printed and reproduced for those who have no gadget and access to internet.

Briones said the DepEd is working with service providers and communication experts as well as with the Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to utilize with these platforms.

The reopening of classes is scheduled on August 24, according to DepEd. —LBG, GMA News