The Department of Education yesterday maintained that mass promotion and automatic passing of learners will not be allowed and tolerated amid the escalating threat of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 in the country.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that DepEd will not allow mass promotion or giving automatic passing grades to learners “because this is not the policy of the Duterte administration.”
Various stakeholders have urged DepEd to give automatic passing grades to learners amid the continued threat of the COVID-19.
COVID has forced the suspension of classes in Metro Manila and other areas where cases have been confirmed.
DepEd has also been asked to consider the possibility of giving passing grades to learners especially those who have missed out lessons in school because of COVID 2019 since the current school year is already about to end.
However, Briones said that DepEd strongly opposes any move to allow mass promotion of students because the law is clear as to the number of days of face-to-face contact between teachers and students.
DepEd, she added, might be held liable if the number of school days mandated by law is violated.
Education Undersecretary and spokesperson Nepomuceno Malaluan said since the suspension of classes were declared when the current school year is almost over, teachers “have enough grades even in the absence of final grades.” (Ina Malipot)
