PUBLIC schools undergoing repairs due to calamities can ask for exemption from implementing full in-person classes under the guidelines released late yesterday by the Education Department.
DepEd Order No. 34 said public elementary and secondary public schools may be allowed not to comply with an earlier order mandating the full resumption of in-person learning based on the following:
- Delays in the construction or repair of school facilities due to calamities that affect the overall absorptive capacity of the school.
- Immediate need for the relocation of school due to a certification by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR that such school site is unsafe for occupancy and use by the learners.
- Shortage of basic education inputs and resources such as teachers and classrooms that cannot be addressed by existing measures of the department.
- Unfavorable peace and order situation in the area where the school is located, and
- Use of classroom as a temporary evacuation center.
The use of classrooms as billeting areas for events and extra-curricular activities is not covered in the exemption.
DepEd spokesperson Michael Tan Poa said schools may course their request for exemption to their school division superintendents.
“The grant or denial of such request by the school division superintendent shall be final unless it is reversed and overturned by the respective regional director,” Poa said.
Poa said 57 schools out of 827 public schools in Metro Manila are allowed to continue implementing blended learning while 774 are implementing the five-day-a-week in-person classes.
Private schools are allowed to continue holding blended learning.
