The pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes will start on November 15, a Department of Education (DepEd) official told the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture on Wednesday.
DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan confirmed this during the panel's hearing on the status of the government's preparedness to conduct safe reopening of schools.
According to Nepomuceno, they will launch the pilot face-to-face classes on the start of the academic quarter two of the current school calendar.
He said the initial run will last until December 22, 2021, but the end of the pilot study will be in January 31, 2022.
The DepEd will then make an assessment and identify which other schools can conduct pilot run of limited face-to-face classes.
The department will, likewise, hold site inspection, dry run and present their report and expansion programs to President Duterte in February next year.
If approved, the DepEd will proceed to expand the pilot run of limited face-to-face classes on March 2022.
Last September, Duterte approved the holding of limited face-to-face classes in areas with minimal risk of COVID-19.
DepEd earlier said the program will initially cover 100 public schools and 20 private schools.