There will be no face-to-face classes in public schools during the tree-planting day set by the Department of Education (DepEd) this week.
DepEd Spokesperson and Undersecretary Michael Poa, in a Viber message on Monday, Dec. 4, confirmed that in-person classes will be suspended on Dec. 6 (Wednesday), as stated in DepEd Memorandum No. 69 series of 2023.
“Classes in all DepEd public schools will be on asynchronous mode for this day,” the memo read.
The memo, issued by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, outlined the guidelines for the implementation of the project entitled “DepEd's 236,000 Trees - A Christmas Gift for the Children.”
On behalf of Duterte, Poa is scheduled to visit the Pasig Elementary School for the said activity.
Christmas gift
The project, DepEd said, will serve as a “gift” from the DepEd to “ensure a clean and green environment for Filipino children and future generations.”
Through the participation of 47,678 public schools, DepEd aims to plant over 236,000 trees.
DepEd explained that the project will provide a “unique educational opportunity” for students to actively participate in tree planting activities, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and promoting conservation efforts.
Moreover, DepEd added that through hands-on learning and practical application of environmental concepts, “students will develop a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment,”
DepEd also noted that planting trees will “contribute to the beautification” of school grounds aside from educational benefits.
As trees provide shade, improve air quality, and create a calming atmosphere, enhancing the overall ambiance of the school, DepEd hoped to create a “more pleasant and conducive learning environment for students” through the project.
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