DepEd to recommend face-to-face class expansion subject to DOH inputs, says official

The success of the pilot implementation of face-to-face class is pointing the Department of Education towards recommending its expansion, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said Friday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Malaluan said the possible recommendation for the progressive expansion is not yet final and still subject to the inputs of the Department of Health.

“Subject lang sa pagpupulong sa (Subject only to the meeting with) DOH sa Monday…We can recommend and really strongly push for progressive expansion of face-to-face classes,” he said.

Based on the consolidated report that the DepEd will submit to the Office  of the President, the conduct of pilot face-to-face classes went successful and yielded good results, according to Malaluan,

Citing a survey to teachers, students, and parents, Malaluan said the confidence to continue and expand the in-person classes in basic education levels is “very high.”

In December last year, the DepEd expressed optimism that the conduct of face-to-face classes will move to its “expansion phase” by January 2022

Suspension of classes

Meanwhile, the DepEd is planning to institutionalize the declaration of suspension based on the alert level of COVID-19 quarantine classification in an area, Malaluan said.

For example, the suspension of classes would be automatic in an area once Alert Level 3 is raised, according to Malaluan.

On Wednesday, the DepEd urged regional and schools division offices to exercise discretion in suspending classes and other teaching-related activities this January amid the surge of COVID-19 cases.

The DepEd cited the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases and the well-being of teachers and students. — RSJ, GMA News