Photo from Niko (2005)

President Rodrigo Duterte has approved limited face-to-face classes in low-risk COVID-19 areas issued by Malacanang last September 20. 

Initially, around 100 public schools and 20 private schools are targeted for a pilot run of limited face-to-face classes considering they qualify for the readiness assessment, 

Areas that will participate in the pilot run were not yet determined by the Department of Education (DepEd) but will be identified alongside the Department of Health (DOH). 

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said, “Kelangan may suporta ng local government units (LGU) sa pamamagitan ng resolution o letter of support at kinakailangan po merong written support and consent ng mga magulang," during a press briefing, he also added that the face-to-face classes will only be held half a day every other week. 

Adjustments will be implemented determined from risk assessments within 2 months of safe and strict monitoring, "Kung safe ang pilot and it is effective then we will gradually increase. Pero ang mahalaga dito bantayan natin kung ano ang risk assessment. Pag may pagbabago sa risk assessment then talagang titigilin natin," said DepEd secretary Leonor Briones. Briones also added that the DepEd has been preparing for face-to-face classes since last year. 

Under approved guidelines of limited face-to-face classes, the following grade levels are subject to the dry run: 

● Kindergarten with a maximum of 12 students (3 hours maximum) 

● Grades 1 to 3 with a maximum of 16 students (3 hours maximum) 

● Technical Vocation classes with a maximum of 20 students (4 hours maximum) 

Prior to the approval of limited face-to-face classes, the Philippines was among the last two countries, as of September 2021, yet to reopen schools since the declaration of the pandemic last March 2020. 

The date of the pilot run for limited face-to-face classes has not yet been set. Briones said it will depend if the readiness of LGU is evident and consent from parents has been given.