A group of private schools commended the Department of Education (DepEd) for its initiatives that aim to ensure that learning and education of millions of Filipino students will continue this school year.

The Federation of Associations of Private Schools Administrators (FAPSA) says it salutes the DepEd as “a learner-centered public institution that continuously improves itself to serve its stakeholders best.”

Classes in public schools nationwide, through distance/blended learning, will formally open on Monday, Oct. 5, despite the continued threat of coronavirus pandemic.

“This COVID-19 waged a difficult battle against everyone in the world,” said FAPSA President Eleazardo Kasilag. “Despite COVID -19, we cannot avoid coming back to school,” he added.

Kasilag noted how the School Year (SY) 2020-2021 will open both public and private schools to the “world of firsts.” This year, a new law (Republic Act 11840 modifying R.A. 7977) was passed, which paves the way to the extension class opening beyond August.

This school year, Kasilag said, will also normalize the use of gadgets for lessons when these have been banned or prohibited during class hours before. “It’s kind of wonder that private schools now started classes first; while we used to resume sessions almost a month after DepEd opened in June,” he added.

Kasilag added that online learning, no face-to-face classes, social distancing, wearing face masks and face shields are among the firsts this year, “as well as parents doing most of the work while the teachers get to direct and redirect the flow of lessons in work-from-home learning modality.”

For both public and for private schools, Kasilag explained that one of the most common problems this year is “validating standards” when glitches crop up. While public and private schools sometimes argue with operation policies, he assured that “this only meant to convey school objectives and nothing personal.”  

As the new school year opens, Kasilag assured the DepEd that private schools remain its “silent and loyal” partners. 

“Public and private schools are partners with the same vision,”  Kasilag added. “Our complementary roles work well towards the dream of Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation.”