DepEd defers class opening to Oct. 5

The Department of Education has moved the opening of classes to Oct. 5 from Aug. 24 amid a coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones said she endorsed the postponement to President Rodrigo R. Duterte after Metro Manila and nearby provinces reverted to a strict lockdown amid a fresh surge in coronavirus cases.

“We shall use the deferment to provide relief to the logistical limitations faced by the areas placed under a modified enhanced community quarantine and to fill in the remaining gaps of the school opening that we are currently addressing,” she said.

Ms. Briones said areas not under strict lockdown must continue their orientation, dry runs and delivery of learning resources.

There will still be no face-to-face sessions when classes start, Ms. Briones said at an online news briefing.

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who heads the basic education committee, said the postponement should be used to continue preparations for the basic education continuity plan. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas