Aug. 24 opening of classes will push through , students need to learn- DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) insists that the August 24 opening of classes will push through, with Secretary Leonor Briones saying that pushing back the school calendar will work against students.

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Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a Monday media briefing,

While the dialogue is going on sa social media, as far as we are concerned, talagang August 24 ang target date [we're really sticking with the August 24 target date], 

Kung masa-stuck tayo sa basic education, delayed din ang supply natin ng professionals na kailangan natin dito sa ating bansa... Ang mga bata, kung sila ang tatanungin, gusto nilang mag-aral talaga. Let us not wait na dadating ang panahon na wala na silang interes mag-aral, 

[If the children get stuck in basic education, it will also delay the supply of professionals which we need in the country... if you ask the children, they really want to study again. Let's not wait for the time when they are no longer interested to learn.] she added.

Some groups are calling to push back the opening of classes, saying DepEd schools and teachers are not yet ready. Also, there's only few weeks left for printing of modules, printing of modules takes time as most of the students has chosen modular learning. 

But Briones said preparations are underway for the new modes of teaching, involving a mix of internet-based sessions, radio and TV broadcasts, and printed self-learning modules which will depend on the availability of technology in an area and the preference of the student.

She added it was time for the Philippines to resume basic education classes as neighboring countries Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam have already done so, learners were even back inside classrooms.

Briones said there was no point of delaying the opening of classes as 22.9 million students are already enrolled for the new academic year. Further delays would also be detrimental to children.

DepEd officials added that public schools and regional offices have been allowed to use their existing maintenance and other operating expense budgets for COVID-19 response and for the printing of learning modules to be distributed to students. Materials are likewise available for download through DepEd Commons, an online portal for remote learning.

DepEd is also considering to hire teacher aides, who will assist full-time teachers manage virtual and off-site learning sessions.

Briones also said that some studies show that if extension of classes took long, children may forget what they are being taught. As well as children staying home for a long period of time may will lead to obesity and delayed development. Students will be deprived of social and emotional growth.