DepEd: Public schools can apply exemption to hold face-to-face classes after Nov. 2

The Department of Education said that public schools can also apply for an exemption to hold 5-day face-to-face classes beyond November 2, its spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said.

“Kung sakaling may public schools na hindi kakayaning mag-5 days na in-person classes, pwede po sila humingi ng exemption sa kani-kanilang regional directors,” Poa said. 

DepEd also announced that private schools will be exempted from from the mandate.

“Batid po natin sa Department of Education ang sitwasyon ng private schools ngayon bunga ng pandemya. Alam po natin na marami sa kanila ang nag-invest para maka-switch sa online learning,” Poa said. 

“Napapabalita na rin po na maraming mga maliliit na pribadong eskuwelahan na nagsasara dahil hindi nila ma-meet ang enrollment targets,” he added.

But, DepEd recognizes studies which found face-to-face classes to be “more advantageous and beneficial for students”.

“Iba po talaga ‘yung meron pong interaction or direct instruction ang teachers sa learners, at may interaction sa between kapwa learners,” he said.