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| President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed DepEd and other agencies to prepare for face-to-face classes this year. Photo: PND |
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Education (DepEd) and other relevant agencies on Tuesday to make the necessary preparations and plans for the start of face-to-face classes this year.
The order was created to address issues that may arise regarding the return to school of millions of students across the country for the upcoming school year 2022-2023.
During a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang, Marcos questioned Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte about DepEd's plans to address several challenges, including the availability of classrooms, teachers, and other concerns.
"Ang gawin na lang natin [ay] i-identify saan 'yung areas na magbe-blended learning para maka-focus tayo. Ihanda 'yung mga devices at mga kailangan nila na noong pandemic hindi nasu-supply-an sa mga bata," Marcos said.
"We will continue using blended learning, but only in specific places. As much as possible, face-to-face," the president added.
This came after the question of whether DepEd should abandon blended learning after October 31 was raised during the meeting, given the department's current challenges.
According to a recent DepEd order, blended learning will no longer be implemented after October 31, as the department adopts a policy requiring the full implementation of five-day in-person classes.
Other issues raised by the President include internet connectivity and the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, which is being driven by the emergence of new coronavirus variants.
He was concerned that these issues would have an impact on the implementation of in-person learning, but he was determined to move forward with the plan.
During the same Cabinet meeting, the President directed concerned agencies to rebuild and repair school buildings destroyed by Typhoon Odette last year.
Marcos stated that if major concerns are not addressed, the government will be forced to continue with blended learning, but that the scheme could be implemented in some areas.
The education secretary informed the President that DepEd will prepare a plan for what to do after October 31.
According to a recent survey, the majority of respondents preferred in-person classes for the country's learners. (Source: PND)