Face-to-face learning 'not forced' according to DepEd

Parents or guardians who don't want their children to take part in the face-to-face classes may use modular or digital learning, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Tuesday. It is after the government announced that they will allow limited classroom classes in areas deemed low risk for COVID-19 infections.

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“‘Yung mga parents na ayaw ng face-to-face (classes), may choice naman sila sa online halimbawa. Kung hindi pwede ang online dahil hindi pwede ang connectivity nandiyan ang telebisyon, nandiyan ang radyo,” [Those parents who doesn't want face-to-face classes, they have choices like online learning. If online is not possible because connectivity is a problem then television and the radio can be used.] Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a televised Palace press briefing.

She added that if digital learning is still not possible because parents or the location of the children may be too far, DepEd offers modular system. It is where they get a copy of learning materials needed by their children and the teacher will monitor the children learning through text, call or a visit.

Earlier, President Duterte approved the proposal of the education sector to allow limited face-to-face classes in areas under the most lenient modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) where there is a low-risk of coronavirus transmission.

This was in contrast of his earlier announcement when he declared that no physical classes will be made in the absence of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Malacañang explained that these face-to-face classes will be allowed beginning January 2021 subject to conditions imposed by the government.

Briones maintained that the school year will start on August 24 despite the passage of a new law allowing the President to set the opening beyond August.

Also, Briones added that not all low-risk areas can resume physical classes as only those that meet requirements such as adequate facilities will be allowed. Schools must strictly enforce health protocols against COVID-19 and coordinate with local government units and health officials.