The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday bared its “suggested steps” in the selection of participating schools for the dry run of face-to-face classes next year.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said among the requirements for participating schools will be consent from the local government.
“We should have the consent of the local government because schools are local in local government and they give substantial assistance and participation,” Briones said.
Briones also said that schools located in areas classified by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) as low risk will be considered for the pilot testing of face-to-face classes.
“For example, NCR (National Capital Region) is considered as a GCQ (general community quarantine) area, we cannot be having face to face at this time,” the education secretary said.
The DepEd secretary meanwhile said there have already been three regions that opted not to participate in the dry run, among them was Davao. The other two regions were not disclosed.
“ regional director in Davao has declared that Davao will not be participating bc there has been some increase also in Davao,” Briones shared.
As for the learners, Briones said only those who were allowed by their parents can participate in the pilot testing.
The education secretary said there should a written consent coming from the parents allowing their children to participate in the dry run.
When asked about how many students there would be in one classroom during the dry run, Briones said it will depend on the grade level and the size of the classroom itself.
Briones said students will likely only go to school “once or twice a week on limited hours” for the pilot run.
When on campus, students are required to wear face masks and face shields during the face-to-face classes.
For their part, Briones said the DepEd will have to comply with the requirements of the Department of Health (DOH) in terms of sanitation and assessment.
As handwashing is also among the requirements of the IATF, Briones said DepEd will not conduct the pilot test in schools where water supply is not assured.
Briones said they are also looking at putting up barriers in classrooms of the participating schools.
Briones said there are a total of 1,114 candidates for the pilot test as of Wednesday.
The number of candidates however will be “reduced very significantly” according to Briones.