Despite the detection of the Covid-19 Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant in the country, the Department of Education (DepED) on Wednesday, Oct. 19, said that there are no changes yet in the scheduled implementation of full face-to-face classes in public schools in November.
“Right now, we do not have any advice yet on any change,” DepED Spokesman Michael Poa said in a mix of English and Filipino during a public briefing. He was asked if the return to five days of face-to-face classes will push through starting Nov. 2.
Poa said that DepED has just issued an amendatory order to DO 34, s. 2022 or the School Calendar and Activities for School Year (SY) 2022-2023 on Oct. 17. The new issuance allowed private schools to continue with blended learning but mandated all public schools to implement five days of in-person classes.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/17/deped-allows-private-schools-to-continue-blended-learning/
“We , will always take our cue from the advice given by the DOH when it comes to health guidelines or any health concerns,” Poa said.
To date, Poa maintained that the latest adjustments in the policy related to the implementation of face-to-face classes amid the pandemic are the amendatory Department Order issued early this week.
Related to this, a group of teachers earlier asked DepED to consider giving public schools --- especially those that lack education resources --- the option to continue with blended learning just like their counterparts in the private education sector.
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https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/17/in-person-classes-remain-the-best-option-for-basic-education-deped/