OVER 14,000 schools nationwide are ready for limited face-to-face classes amid the decline in COVID-19 cases in the country, according to the Department of Education.
Education Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma said the number was based on their assessment of schools prepared to hold face-to-face learning.
“As of last week, more than 14,000 schools nationwide can be considered as being prepared to start limited face-to-face classes,” Garma said in a television interview.
He said more schools can be added depending on the result of the ongoing assessment.
DepEd data showed there are around 47,000 public elementary and secondary schools, and 12,000 private schools nationwide.
Garma said the DepEd is in close coordination with local government units and the Department of Health before and after the resumption of in-person learning to ensure the safety of teachers and students.
He said over 90 percent of the more than 500,000 public school teachers across the country have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
Garma said vaccination against the coronavirus is not required for students who will participate in in-person classes but said health protocols such as the wearing of face mask will be strictly implemented.
The pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes started in select schools in several areas in the country last November 21 although the DepEd was forced to temporarily suspend the move after COVID-19 cases surged anew last January.
Metro Manila and other areas are now under Alert Level 1, paving the way for the resumption of normal activities, including in-person classes.
The DepEd also said a draft executive order to improve teacher positions with corresponding salary hike is currently awaiting the nod of Malacanang.
