November 12, 2021 – With the approval of the Office of the President, the Department of Education (DepEd) is announcing that it will increase the number of participating schools in the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes.  

Given the continuous improvement of the COVID-19 situation in many localities around the country, DepEd, in close coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), has assessed that there are more schools qualified to be included in the pilot list.

From the latest transmittal of DOH, 484 out of the 638 passed their granular risk assessment as minimal or low-risk. We have also received several appeals from LGUs, including NCR, to have their schools in their jurisdiction selected in the pilot implementation.

From the initial 100 public schools and 20 private schools, DepEd and DOH will determine the final number of pilot schools based on DepEd’s evaluation of school readiness and DOH assessment of the COVID-risk level. We will announce the additional pilot schools once validated.

The expansion of the number of pilot schools will allow a greater degree of experience among all our regions that will serve us well for the expanded phase of face-to-face classes.

Meanwhile, the 100 public schools named will proceed with their pilot face-to-face classes on November 15 and the 20 private schools on November 22.

With operational guidelines and our shared responsibility framework in place, we assure everyone that this pilot program will remain consistent with relevant public health standards, rules, and regulations.  

We hope for the continuous support of our LGU officials, partners, teachers, parents, and community leaders as we are set to welcome back our learners in schools on a limited basis starting on Monday.

 

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