Preparation of DepEd on Aug. 24 opening of school is on schedule, postponement of reopening not necessary

Education officials have expressed confidence that all preparations needed for the class opening this academic year are on track.

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Some teacher groups, students, lawmakers and parents wanted the Department of Education (DepEd) to move the opening to later this year or early next year due to teachers and students being reported that they're not yet ready for blended learning. But the DepEd sees no reason for any further delay.

DepEd Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said in an envelope interview that based on the DepEd's timeline, everything is on track.

In an earlier reports, President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed into a law a measure that allows him to move or reschedule the school opening beyond August during times of calamity.

Despite complaints from some stakeholders, the DepEd said most teachers, students, and even parents want schools to open by August.

"The dry runs are going on in the different field units, wala naman kami namomonitor na serious constraints o challenges na hindi nagawaan ng paraan," [The dry runs are going on in the different field units, we have not monitor any serious constraints or challenges that have not been addressed.] San Antonio said.

Over 22 million students, from kinder to high school levels, have so far enrolled for the coming school year. Most are registered in public schools nationwide at 20.7 million.

The mode of learning delivery by most of the enrolled students are modular in digital or printed said San Antonio. The reproduction of modules of lessons that will be used in the school year's first quarter are presently being facilitated by the school divisions. DepEd relies on regional officers as they have the final say if the needed modules are already done and are ready for distribution when the schools open.

Education officials are strictly implementing distance learning as an alternative to physical classes due to safety reasons.

The new learning scheme delivers lessons in different ways such online, television, radio and printed lessons or learning materials.