Sara to explore possibility of resuming in-person classes

Vice President-elect Sara Duterte on Saturday said she would look into the possibility of a full resumption of face-to-face classes once she assumes the leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Duterte has been designated by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to lead the DepEd under his administration.

In an interview with reporters in Davao City, the vice president-elect disclosed the three issues she would focus on as Education chief.

“Una ‘yung effect ng pandemic sa ating mga learners and sa sobrang tagal nila na hindi nag face-to-face classes,” she said.

(First, the effect of the pandemic on our learners since it's been a long time since there have been no face-to-face classes.)

“Pangalawa, the question on sending them all back to school, full face-to-face classes. Number three, thorough discussion on the K-12 program,” she added.

(Second, the question on sending them all back to school, full face-to-face classes. Number three, thorough discussion on the K-12 program.)

The DepEd has stated that 38,000 schools are ready for face-to-face classes when the school year 2022–2023 begins in August.

Meanwhile, Duterte, who previously proposed the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) for the youth, said that it "has nothing to do with basic education."

"I am the Secretary of Education and ROTC should be best discussed in higher education," she said.

Earlier this month, her camp disputed a quote card circulating online claiming Duterte made a statement about the proposed amendments to the K-12 program, the ROTC, and mandatory military service. —VBL, GMA News