An official of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday maintained that the conduct of face-to-face classes this upcoming school year will not be possible without the approval coming from President Duterte.
During the Laging Handa public briefing on Thursday, May 20, DepEd Undersecretary Annallyn Sevilla said the DepEd is currently preparing for the opening of School Year (SY) 2021-2022. She noted that the department will also present its plans for the opening of classes to President Duterte.
“Hindi po tayo babalik sa face-to-face educational learning delivery system kung hindi po ito papayagan (We will not go back to the face-to-face educational learning delivery system if this will not be allowed),” Sevilla said, noting that in-person learning will remain prohibited the President gives his approval.
However, Sevilla clarified that education will continue even amidst the ongoing pandemic. This, she explained, will be through blended delivery approaches that are being used in the current school year.
“Magtutuloy po ang pag-aaral, itutuloy natin ang tinatawag na self-learning modules, online, through the DepEd TV, DepEd radio, at iba pa pong approaches (Learning will continue, we will continue what we call self-learning modules, online, through DepEd TV, DepEd Radio and other approaches),” Sevilla added.
Aside from the reported Aug. 23 recommended school opening, Sevilla said that DepEd will be giving the President options on how to proceed with opening of the upcoming school year.
Sevilla also noted that in the Management Committee meeting led by Education Secretary Leonor Briones on May 19, the agency’s key officials - including those at the regional level - have discussed possible scenarios for the opening of SY 2021-2022.
“DepEd has prepared a proposal to the President and it includes options within the law,” Sevilla said.
Aside from Aug. 23 school opening recommendation, she said that there are “also other dates” to be presented to the President and other Cabinet members.
However, she did not specify what are these other dates being eyed by DepEd for the start of classes for the upcoming school year.