Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation may vary from one area to another, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, Jan. 12, said that declaring a nationwide academic or health break would need further evaluation.
In a virtual presser, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said declaring measures such as academic or health breaks for all schools nationwide would depend on the advice of the experts, particularly those coming from the Department of Health (DOH).
In the same briefing, DepEd Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio also explained that declaring a nationwide break would affect the current school calendar.
In adherence to Republic Act 7797 or An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred (200) Days to Not More Than Two Hundred Twenty (220) Class Days, the School Year (SY) 2021-2022 has a total of 209 school days.
San Antonio explained that if public schools would take breaks, certain adjustments have to be made so they can meet the minimum number of school days for the school year as mandated by law.
Likewise, San Antonio also noted that declaring a nationwide break may not apply to all schools since the public health situation varies.
“Hindi puwedeng sa buong bansa sasabihin magkakaroon ng academic break kasi iba-iba naman 'yong COVID situation (We can't declare a break for the entire country since the COVID situation vary),” he said.
Despite this, San Antonio said that the policy to implement academic ease measures has been in place since last school year.
Should concerns be coming from students and teachers, San Antonio said that local DepEd officials such as principals or school heads and superintendents might implement appropriate actions to address these issues.
Teachers groups Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines and Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) urged DepEd to implement health and academic breaks for students and teachers in public schools to help those who might be affected by the pandemic.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/01/11/55-of-metro-manila-teachers-have-flu-like-symptoms-group-says/