While the learning delivery modality for school year (SY) 2021-2022 will be enhanced blended learning, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that the conduct of face-to-face classes still remains a possibility.
“I'd like to also emphasize that announcing the opening of school year on the decision of the President is largely by blended learning,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a virtual press conference early this week.
While the President Duterte has made the decision to implement blended learning this school year, Briones said that “we also consider the possibility of face-to-face sessions if the President also will allow us to have our pilot studies.”
The President has approved the opening of the incoming school year on Sept. 13 but he rejected the proposal of DepEd to pilot test limited face-to-face classes with the emergence of new coronavirus variants.
Briones said that DepEd is preparing for a school opening wherein blended learning will be used for learning delivery as well as for the “possibility of no face-to-face because of the President’s .”
At the same time, Briones said that DepEd is also making preparations for “possible face-to-face if pilot studies will be allowed in regions where the degree of COVID threats is not as severe as in some of our big regions - similar to also what is happening in others countries.”
Briones noted that the challenge for the department - as well as to its supporting agencies both public and private - is how to prepare for such combinations.
“If the President decides that they will allow us to have a pilot studies, then we and our partner agencies have already prepared for it,” Briones said.
“At the same same time, we are also assuming that largely, blended learning without face-to-face will be implemented because of the terrible and terrifying danger that is now being posed by of emerging variants as well as the eventuality of face-to-face classes in anticipation of final victory or final control of this pandemic,” she added.
As it prepares for different scenarios for the incoming school year, Briones urged parents and guardians to enroll the children so their education will continue amidst the pandemic.
“We are making arrangements with your help and with your advice to adjust to whatever is needed -- whether it is no face-to-face, partial face-to-face, the use of digital learning as well as technology and all the protective steps that are undertaken,” Briones said.
Highlighting that “education is a shared responsibility,” Briones thanked all DepEd’s partners and stakeholders for their your support and advice.
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