Duterte approves RA 11480; classes still set to begin on Aug 24

On July 15, the Department of Education (DepEd) raised the chances of implementing limited face-to-face classes for schools in areas under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

Education Secretary Leonor Briones stated in a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte that many people were asking for such classes. She also said that in other Southeast Asian countries, they adopted a blended-learning system while keeping their face-to-face classes to a minimum.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-IED) approved the blended learning system, which the country will adopt for the school year 2020-2021.

Briones mentioned the “It’s Better Manual” (IBM), which is designed for students who do not have access to learning modes such as online, radio, or television.

In the proposal, schools under MGCQ areas will be evaluated based on the implementation of health standards. Once approved, they will be allowed to conduct physical classes limited up to 10 students per class. 

The proposition has garnered support from private schools as well as from the chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Prospero De Vera and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

De Vera cited Thailand as an example of schools using a system of health and distancing measures for classes such as the use of plastic dividers in each classroom, which he said that the country could replicate.

Duque favors the proposal as well, stating that the 10-student limit is aligned with the distancing protocols of the government.

As of today, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that the President approved the proposal of DepEd to have limited face-to-face classes in low-risk MGCQ areas.

He clarified that physical classes will only be allowed in January 2021 and not on the opening of the school year this August. 

On July 20, Malacañang announced the passing of Republic Act 11480, which gives the President the authority to decide when the opening of classes will start in case of national emergency.

This bill, which was signed last July 17, is an amendment of Republic Act 7797, which dictates that classes must start anytime from June to August.

The new law covers basic education institutions and can take effect nationwide or in specific areas only.

In an official statement, DepEd expressed its gratitude towards the President, Senators, and members of the House Representatives “for the quick and timely passage of the law.”

The department has been directed to issue the rules and regulation of the new law within 30 days after the effectiveness of the law in consultation with concerned stakeholders.

According to Roque, the opening of classes is still expected to push through on August 24.

“Babaguhin pa ba ni Presidente ang pagbubukas ng klase? Malinaw na ang batas ay nakabase sa rekomendasyon ng Secretary of Education at ang pagbubukas sa ngayon sa 24 ng Agosto,” he said during a Palace briefing.

Roque explained that the new law gives the President “flexibility” to adjust the school opening when the country is in state of calamity or emergency.

DepEd Secretary Briones also assured that the opening of classes will push through on August 24 in “whatever form” they assumed.

LAYOUT BY: Cristine Joie Q. Bacud

PHOTO SOURCE: Manila bulletin, philnews.ph, Philippine star, ptv, CHED