The Department of Education (DepEd) already listed the schools nominated to conduct the pilot test of face-to-face classes in January 2021.
In an interview with DepEd Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla on GMA News Online, she said they would still evaluate each school’s readiness to conduct in-person classes.
“While we have a list of nominated schools from regions, we will still evaluate its compliance with criteria and readiness,” Sevilla said.
However, Sevilla said DepEd would only release the names of nominated schools if they passed the Office of the President and the Inter-Agency Task Force’s final terms.
The official noted that a school should be at least located in an area under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
“But we need to await for the final terms,” she added.
In an interview with Dobol B sa News TV on Tuesday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said they asked regional directors to suggest schools for face-to-face classes dry run.
“Pero may mga kondisyon. Hindi lang kondisyon namin sa department na tinanggap naman ni Presidente. Una, siya ang magde-decide,” Briones said.
(But there are conditions. It is not just our condition in the department that the President accepted. First, he will decide.)
“Pangalawa, kung i-implement ‘yan, kailangan may pahintulot ang local government,” she added.
DepEd lists schools for face-to-face classes dry run
(Second, if that is to be implemented, the local government must have permission.)
Briones revealed that not all local government units are in favor of reopening face-to-face classes.
“Pangatlo, kailangan may written consent of parents na ang kanilang anak ay puwedeng pumasok sa face-to-face classes,” she said.
(Third, there must be written consent of parents that their child can attend face-to-face classes.)
Briones said that the safety of transportation for the students should also be considered.
She added most of the schools that expressed interest in participating in the dry run are in rural areas. Some mayors also recommended indigenous peoples’ communities.
The DepEd secretary noted that the number of learners allowed in face-to-face classes would be limited.
Briones also said concerned authorities such as local government units, DepEd, and parents should share the responsibility if a student gets infected with COVID-19.