November 24, 2021 – Following the opening of selected public schools last week, 1,732 K-3 and SHS learners went back to school on November 22 as 18 private schools started the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes.

“Ngayon haping happy na tayo, very pleased tayo, exciting at saka I’m very happy na talagang na-prove yung pananaw ng DepEd na maingat tayo sa pag-implement nitong pilot na ito at saka considering out of the [initial] 120 schools [ilan lamang] ang nag-defer so magandang practice ito para sa atin [na maaga pa lamang,] nakikita natin ang [mga] posibleng mangyari,” Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) Director Joyce Andaya shared that changes to the initial list of selected pilot private schools were made due to varying reasons such as academic calendar adjustments, waiting for the inclusion of other SHS tracks in the test, and securing clearances from their local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders.

She also noted that schools not selected and deferred for the pilot run will be considered for the expansion phase in January 2022.

One school from the Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, and CARAGA Region participated in the pilot run. Moreover, two schools represented Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas, while three schools from Northern Mindanao and SOCCKSARGEN joined.

For the complete list of the 18 selected pilot private schools, please visit https://bit.ly/3CLx7y6.

Previously, Dir. Andaya inspected the first day of in-person classes in Academica De Meridien and Mother of Good Counsel Seminary Inc. in Zambales and San Fernando City, Pampanga, respectively, and commended them for their readiness to conduct physical classes and partnership with their LGUs.

“Napansin po natin na meron talaga silang social distancing at ang mga guro doon ay talagang handa sa pagbabalik ng mga estudyante sa paaralan,” Dir. Andaya said.

“Ang hiling lang naman po ng mga guro at administrador sa dalawang paaralan ay payagan na ang ibang mga grade level na mag-face to face na rin,” she added.

Following this development, Sec. Briones also said that DepEd, in close coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), will name more schools to be included in the expanded coverage of the pilot phase.

Prior to the pilot test, DepEd conducted meetings and orientations with the Quality Assurance Chiefs from the chosen public schools to ensure their preparedness and help them meet the requirements.

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