DepEd allows private schools to shift to blended learning amid energy cost surge

Private schools may shift to blended learning without prior approval as the Department of Education (DepEd) grants flexibility in class delivery to help manage rising electricity costs during the national energy emergency.

In a memorandum dated April 7, the Department of Education clarified that private schools may either continue with five days of in-person classes or adopt blended learning arrangements.

The move comes as schools face higher operating expenses following the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency under Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026.

“We understand the challenges our private schools are facing. We want to give them the flexibility to manage rising operational costs while protecting the quality of learning,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

Under the guidelines, schools that opt to implement blended learning are no longer required to seek prior approval, but must inform their respective Schools Division Office at least five days before implementation.

They are also required to submit details of their revised class schedules and explain how learning standards will be maintained.

DepEd outlined limits for remote learning depending on grade level.

For Kindergarten to Grade 6, schools are advised to limit remote classes to one day per week to safeguard foundational literacy and numeracy.

For Grades 7 to 10, up to two days of remote learning per week may be allowed, while Senior High School students may have up to three days of remote learning.

Blended learning combines face-to-face instruction with remote learning, which may be conducted either online or offline, and may be done synchronously or asynchronously.

DepEd also encouraged private schools to adopt flexible formats for teacher training and professional development, including online and hybrid setups, to reduce travel and energy consumption.

The department said the flexibility will remain in effect while the national energy emergency is in place.

At the same time, DepEd emphasized that face-to-face learning remains the default mode, and any alternative delivery must continue to meet required learning standards.

Regional and division offices have been directed to monitor the implementation of adjusted learning modalities in private schools. — RSJ, GMA News