Over 14,000 schools ready for limited face-to-face classes —DepEd exec

More than 14,000 schools nationwide are ready to hold limited face-to-face classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma said on Tuesday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Garma said the DepEd continues to add more schools that can have in-person classes.

“As of last week, mahigit 14,000 na 'yung ating mga schools na maituturing na natin na puwede nang magsimula batay doon sa kanilang assessment,” he said.

(As of last week, over 14,000 schools have been considered ready to start face-to-face classes based on the assessment on them.)

According to the DepEd, there are around 47,000 public schools and 12,000 private schools in the country.

Garma noted that schools need the approval of local governments before opening face-to face classes and parents may still choose distant learning for their children.

He said vaccination against COVID-19 is not required for students who will participate in face-to-face classes.

Garma said around 90% of teachers are already vaccinated against COVID-19.

Due to the threat of COVID-19 in 2020, the DepEd implemented distance learning where students do not need to go to campuses to continue their studies. They only have to accomplish and submit learning modules or join online classes.

In November 2021, the pilot testing of face-to-face classes started in select schools in several areas in the country. —KG, GMA News