DepEd welcomes Congress’ support to implement academic ease measures


The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday welcomed the support of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture to the continued implementation of academic ease measures for students under distance learning.

Issuing a statement, DepEd said that the Congress backs its current efforts to to lessen the mental stress of Kinder to Grade 12 learners. 

Last week, the House Committee approved House Bill (HB) 7961 to protect the mental health of K to 12 learners through scholastic leniency while amended House Resolution (HR) 1383 urging DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to adopt a pass or drop grading system.

DepEd explained that the provisions of HB 7961 and HR 1383 “support the fundamental principles of our BE-LCP  “ - specifically on protecting the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and personnel.  

Consistent with the BE-LCP, DepEd Education Secretary Leonor Briones had issued policies in relation to the implementation of multiple learning delivery modalities and the interim policy guidelines on grading and assessing students.

“The provisions in HB 7961 had already been integrated in our past and current issuances,” Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction Alma Torio said in the panel.

However, DepEd said that it will “not adopt the pass or drop grading system” as the department sees that “remedial classes are the solution for learners who are at risk of failing.” Torio added that the recommendation of the DepEd ExeCom as well as the ManCom is not to adopt the pass or drop grading system for our learners.

Meanwhile, Briones that the Department’s priority is the safety and welfare of its stakeholders and the Department will continuously implement the academic ease measures.

“The welfare of our teachers and learners remains to be our priority and we will ensure that School Year 2020-2021 will be bearable for all while still promoting effective learning engagement,” Secretary Briones said.

The recommendation not to adopt the pass or drop grading system was supported by House Committee Chairman Roman Romulo, and members Rep. France Castro, Rep. Sarah Elago, Rep. Mark Go, Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr., as well as representatives from the private education sector.

DepEd said that the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture will amend the HB 7961 and HR 1383 into a house resolution adopting and passing scholastic leniency and academic ease for DepEd, CHEd, and other educational institutions while leaving the authority for grading system to them.