By Jennylou Canon

PHOTO: Rappler

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that there is a “high level of confidence” to resume limited face-to-face classes as the Department of Education (DepEd) recorded positive remarks on the implementation.


The limited face-to-face classes, held last November 15, 2021 until December 22, 2021, and involved 287 public and private schools, was reported to be “highly successful” according to Briones.


Briones also said that learners, teachers, and parents felt a “high level of feeling of safety” during the entirety of the limited face-to-face classes, and have also expressed “high satisfaction levels” in the implementation of health and safety protocols.


Furthermore, with positive remarks on health and safety, Briones also reported that no confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in all the participating schools.


DepEd suggests expansion of limited face-to-face classes


Following the successful run of the pilot limited face-to-face classes, DepEd wants a “progressive expansion” of the limited face-to-face classes, with only vaccinated teaching and non-teaching staff to take part in the program.


Briones, during a weekly Talk to the People, said that the expansion will only be happening for areas under Alert Level 1 and 2 and may possibly be held by February.


“Our recommendation, Mr. President, is progressive expansion – and not allowing everything all at the same time,” said Briones.


The education secretary also explained that aside from only allowing vaccinated teaching and non-teaching staff to participate, the department also prefers vaccinated learners to be in the limited face-to-face classes.


Alongside DepEd’s recommendation for expansion, Briones also reported a “high level of satisfaction and positive experience” of teaching and learning among learners and parents.


She also noted that 83% of the participating learners attended the limited face-to-face classes which resulted in a “high level of attendance.”