Duterte allows face-to-face classes in low-risk areas

President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed the DepEd’s proposal to allow face-to-face classes in areas considered as low risk in COVID-19 spread.

Education Secretary Briones spoke to the Inter-Agency Task Force that LGU’s and international schools have been requesting to ask if they may be allowed to hold limited face-to-face classes.

“For basic education, we are saying maybe we can allow the limited face to face learning but to be strictly regulated in the light of present conditions,” Briones said.

“I’m with you on this… Okay ako,” Duterte replied.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on reports later confirmed that the president had given an OK signal to Secretary Briones’ proposal.

Secretary Briones emphasized that physical classes will only be held in areas that are already considered as low-risk and whose facilities have been inspected by the agency.

She also added that physical classes would not be held five times a week, but only one to two days a week, and for sessions to discuss “most important things that a child should learn.”

Classes for the next school year are set to begin on August 24.

Earlier President Duterte said that face-to-face classes will only be allowed if the vaccine will be available.