BY ARYLL GEDUCOS
President Duterte approved on Friday the recommendation to move the opening of classes from August 24 to October 5 following the recommendation of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Based on a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on August 14, the DepEd is instructed to use the time to make sure that the coming school year will have a smooth opening.
“Please be informed that pursuant to the instructions of President Duterte and as recommended by the DepEd, the opening of classes is deferred to 05 October 2020,” the memorandum read.
“In this regard, the DepEd is hereby instructed to ensure that all preparations have been made for the smooth and successful virtual opening of classes for the Academic Year 2020-2021,” it furthered.
Malacañang’s memorandum came after senators called on DepEd to postpone the scheduled opening of classes on August 24 following concerns and the challenges of blended learning.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones had earlier said that there was no stopping the opening of classes on August 24, saying DepEd was prepared for it.
The DepEd has resorted to distance learning and online learning after President Duterte thumbed down face-to-face classes until a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed. (Argyll Geducos)
