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September 20, 2021 – The Department of Education (DepEd) would like to announce that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has approved the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in low-risk areas.

Nonetheless, we would like to emphasize that the pilot will only be participated by at least 100 public schools and 20 private schools. These schools are located in minimal-risk areas based on the criteria set by the Department of Health (DOH), and must have passed the safety assessment using the school safety assessment tool of DepEd, and have the support of the local government unit in the form of a resolution or letter of support. While the public schools have already undergone a selection process, the private school participants will still undergo selection.

In addition, participating schools must have the written support and consent of parents of students who shall participate in the pilot. No learner shall be forced to attend the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes.

The pilot will be conducted with a combination of face-to-face classes in school and distance learning modalities for two (2) months. Face-to-face classes shall be conducted half-day every other week, with participating schools ensuring that class schedules are arranged equitably so that all qualified learners have the opportunity to attend face-to-face classes.

Prepared by DOH and DepEd and with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other organizationsspecializing in children’s health, the operational guidelines on the pilot implementation of face-to-face learning modality provide health and safety standards in terms of personal protective equipment, sanitation, detection and referral, ventilation, contact tracing, and quarantine, coordination, and contingency measures. It also lists steps to prepare school personnel, learners, and the community before the school reopening.

As we made a step towards Ligtas na Balik Eskwela, we encourage our stakeholders to continue the Bayanihan for the success of this endeavor and the safety of our teachers and learners.

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