Three days before the incoming school year opens, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, Aug. 19, expressed confidence that schools nationwide are ready to accommodate learners --- especially those who will attend in-person classes.
“All systems go na tayo for the opening of classes,” said DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa during the joint press briefing of DepEd and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/first-week-of-classes-to-focus-on-psychosocial-support-activities-deped/
Citing recent data, Poa said that there are around 27 million enrolled learners for School Year (SY) 2022-2023.
Of this number, 23.3 million students enrolled during the enrollment period which started on July 25. Poa said that based on DepEd’s records, there are 4.1 million enrollees that have registered early during the Early Registration period.
The current enrollment figures, Poa explained, are 96 percent of DepEd’s enrollment target for SY 2022-2023 which is 28.6 million.
Given this, Poa once again encouraged parents to enroll their children as soon as possible. This, he said, is to prepare the schools based on the “actual number” of learners they would cater to.
Asked for any plans to extend the enrollment period, Poa said that the last day of enrollment will still be on Aug. 22 which is also the first day of classes.
“No decision yet to extend the enrollment period, especially as the trend showed that enrollment can increase on the first day of classes,” he explained in a mix of English and Filipino.
Based on the recent meeting with DepEd regional officials, Poa said that they have expressed readiness and confidence to ensure the smooth opening of classes.
The regional directors, he said, have already conducted mapping of basic education resources. “As of now, they are very confident na kasya naman daw ang ating (that we have enough) facilities for our learners,” Poa explained.
Historically, the school opening --- before the Covid-19 pandemic --- has always been marred by a shortage in facilities, particularly classrooms and chairs among others.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/deped-urged-to-make-an-inventory-of-classrooms-amid-reported-shortages/
For schools with a shortage in resources such as classrooms, Poa said that regional offices were directed to implement various strategies such as shifting classes and blended learning.
When it comes to learning materials, Poa said that in schools that will implement face-to-face classes, students will also start using textbooks.
“We have been mapping the materials at meron naman po and we told our regional directors that if there are schools that will be needing teaching materials or modules for blended learning, inform us so we can replenish as soon as possible,” he added.