Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones announced Thursday the opening of classes for school year 2020-201 is moved to October 5 from its original schedule of August 4.
Below is the statement of DepEd Secretary Briones regarding the postponement of the school opening:
This morning, we received a memorandum from the Office of the President that the President has already made the decision in respect to the recommendation that I have submitted to him on August 6, in response to the implications of imposition of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila and in the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal.
As per the memorandum, the President has given approval to the recommendation of DepEd. Thus, we will implement such a decision to defer school opening to October 5 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11480. We shall use the deferment to provide relief to the logistical limitations faced by the areas placed under MECQ and to fill in the remaining gaps of the school opening that we are currently addressing.
Areas outside MECQ are directed to continue their orientations, dry runs, and delivery of learning resources so that we will be ready for the opening of classes on October 5.
We trust that this is the final adjustment of the school opening. Even with the implementation of MECQ, we will use this time to make the necessary adjustments and ensure that all preparations have been made for the successful opening of classes for School Year 2020-2021.
Also read: MECQ extension unlikely unless Congress allocates emergency aid – Palace
Opening of classes moved to October 5 – DepEd
Senator Bong Go urged Thursday to move the opening of classes in October to ensure everyone’s readiness and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Umaapela ako sa Executive branch na kung maaari ay i-postpone muna ng ilan pang buwan ang pagbubukas ng klase habang wala pang bakuna sa COVID-19. Huwag nating isugal ang buhay at kaligtasan ng ating mga kabataan,” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, said in a statement.
Bong Go added the postponement would give students, teachers, and parents a little more time to adapt to distance learning.