Palace will not allow physical classes when schools reopen in the PH.
Physical classes are out of the picture
The Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued earlier a statement about his objection on the opening of classes as long as no vaccine for COVID-19 is available. But Palace spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the President is referring to physical classes alone.
Monday, President Duterte’s announcement stirred up the public since the DepEd already released a statement regarding the opening of classes on August 24. The president’s statement is just a reminder that physical classes will not be an option as long as no vaccine is available. Despite the minimal cases of COVID-19 in certain regions in the Philippines, normal classroom setups won’t be a real option.
According to Roque, the health of the students and teachers is a priority for now. If there are means not to resort to physical interaction, then DepEd should stick with it, or else do not open schools at all.
Opening of classes by August
The Department of Education already made an official announcement regarding the opening of classes by August 24. With the threat of COVID-19 still around, the department is considering a full distance learning program, lessons will be delivered through the internet, radio stations, and television channels when school resumes.
The government also suggested the creation of “make-shift classrooms” in far-flung barangays where the internet is hard to access. Students can access lessons via radio stations or television channels in these “make-shift classrooms”. Since it will be barangay based, the number of students will be minimal and social distancing can be properly observed.
The DepEd also procured tablets to be used by students, laptops, and desktop computers for the teachers, to be used for distance learning. The department is already on the implementing stage of their Learning Continuity Plan (LCP).
Featured image by GOV.ph
