By: The LANCE
Grade 3 students attend F2F classes with their teachers at a public school in Laguna city. Photo courtesy of the Philippine News Agency.
The Department of Education says that there are no changes yet regarding the implementation of full face-to-face classes in public schools in November despite the detection of COVID-19 Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant in the Philippines.
According to DepEd spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa, the full implementation of face-to-face classes will push through starting November 2, or if there will be any amendments to it.
“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong any advice on any change. In fact, kaka-issue lang natin ng DO 44 nung Monday. Tayo naman po sa Department of education of course, we will always take our cue from the advice given by the DOH pagdating sa mga health guidelines or any health concerns. Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong pagbabago na maa-anunsiyo doon sa amendatory DO na na-issue natin,” he said in a public briefing.
Poa was referring to the DepEd Order No. 44, which allows private schools to continue holding 5-day face-to face classes, a blended learning modality, or full distance learning starting November 2.
Public schools, meanwhile, are mandated to proceed with the full implementation of in-person classes next month except for those that are expressly provided an exemption by the Regional Director, those whose classes are automatically canceled due to disasters and calamities, and those implementing Alternative Delivery Modes.