President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Education (DepEd) and other relevant agencies to come up with the necessary preparations and planning for the resumption of face-to-face classes this year.
Marcos' order came after the DepEd said that the blended learning method shall no longer be implemented after October 31, as it adopts a policy seeking the full implementation of a five-day week of in-person classes for the coming school year 2022-2023.
In a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang, Marcos asked Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte about the DepEd's plans to address several challenges that might arise as the government works on bringing back face-to-face classes.
President Marcos particularly raised concerns about the availability of classrooms and teachers. He also mentioned issues regarding internet connectivity, the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, and the rebuilding of schools destroyed by Typhoon Odette last year.
He said the government would be forced to continue carrying out blended learning if these concerns were not addressed, suggesting that the scheme could continue in some areas.
Nevertheless, he was determined to proceed with the plan.
“Ang gawin na lang natin i-identify saan yung areas na magbe-blended learning para maka-focus tayo. Ihanda 'yung mga devices at mga kailangan nila na noong pandemic hindi nasu-supply-an sa mga bata (We should identify the areas that will have blended learning so we could focus. Prepare the devices and other students' necessities that the government was not able to provide at the start of the pandemic),” Marcos said.
"We continue with blended learning pero in very specific places lamang (only). As much as possible, face-to-face na talaga (we'll have face-to-face classes)," he added.
The education secretary told the President that DepEd would prepare a plan on what to do beyond October 31.
Citing a recent survey, Duterte said most respondents favored in-person classes for the country's learners.