Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones wants to set the record straight: Schools have never closed in the Philippines.

This, as Briones debunked some "misinformation" on school opening concerns to allay fears and confusion among parents and learners.
"There is the impression even from other parts of the world that we have closed classes for two years. We have not closed classes for two years. Last year we opened in October, blended learning. This year, we'll open in September," Briones said during the rollout of "Resbakuna Kids" in Mandaluyong City.
The Education secretary noted that the Department has worked out various combinations, approaches, and techniques of sharing learning to make it possible for students to learn through synchronous or asynchronous methods.
"So one major major correction, which I have transmitted to the various international organizations and the embassies who have been visiting us and getting worried about closed schools, schools have never never closed in the Philippines and that is a matter of record," Briones stressed.
DepEd earlier said that areas under Alert Level 2 will be included in the expansion phase of face-to-face classes in February.
On Feb, 2, DepEd authorized all Regional Directors to start the progressive expansion phase of in-person classes for both public and private schools.