IATF approves opening of classes on Aug. 24

The government’s inter-agency task force on emerging and infectious diseases (IATF) has approved the Department of Education’s (DepEd) decision to open the next school year on Aug. 24.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the IATF adopted the new school calendar from Aug. 24 to April 30.

“Ang pagbubukas ng klase sa basic education magsisimula na po sa 24 ng Agosto 2020 at magtatapos ng Abril 30, 2021,” Roque said during a Laging Handa briefing on Saturday.

(The opening of classes in basic education will start on August 24, 2020 and end on April 30, 2021.) 

READ: DepEd official statement on school opening

The IATF initially proposed to move the opening of classes to September this year as the country continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The rapidly spreading COVID-19 had also prompted schools to end classes early in March as the government told people to stay home to contain the spread of the respiratory disease.

DepEd however decided to move it only to August in adherence to the law.

Classes usually start in June but Republic Act No. 7977 allows it to take place “not later than the last day of August.”

Roque said schools will have to use different ways of educating children as mass gatherings remain prohibited.

 “Gagamitin natin ang iba’t-ibang learning delivery options tulad ng face-to-face, distance learning at home schooling,” said Roque.

(We will use different learning delivery options like face-to-face, distance learning and home schooling.)

DepEd earlier said it would implement a “blended” learning scheme that involves the use of online learning, the use of media like television and radio, and other offline methods.

Photo: ABS-CBN