By Fernan Angeles
THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday announced moving the opening of School Year 2020-2021 from August 24 to October 5 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said they submitted the recommendation to the President last August 6 after Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal were reverted to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) but was relayed of the approval just today.
“As per the memorandum of the president, he has given approval to the recommendation of DepEd. Thus, we will now implement such a decision to defer the school opening to October 5 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11480,” Briones said.
Areas outside MECQ were directed to continue orientations, dry runs, and delivery of learning resources for the October 5 opening.
Briones maintained that there would still be no face-to-face learning despite the deferment of the school opening.
Private schools that have already started the school year can continue with their classes, Briones hinted.
“Kung pipigilin namin sila eh nakaumpisa na, kuntodo involvement na ng mga parents tapos titigilan natin, that would not be useful at all,” Briones said, answering a question from a reporter.
Briones said private schools have their own operations manual although they are still under the DepEd.