• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Department of Education suspended face-to-face classes in all public schools nationwide today, April 8.
This is to “allow learners to complete pending assignments, projects, and other requirements,” the DepEd advisory April 7 states, adding that all public schools nationwide shall implement asynchronous classes/distance learning.
Teaching and non-teaching personnel in all public schools shall not be required to report to their stations, the advisory added.
The DepEd, however, stressed that private schools are not be covered by the face-to-face class suspension, but still have the option to implement a similar arrangement.
In Silay City, Mayor Joedith Gallego suspended in-person classes in all levels, both public and private schools, April 8, in line with the DepEd advisory and the 41° heat index forecast by DOST-PAGASA.
In San Carlos City, the cancellation of in-person classes in public schools at all levels due to extreme heat, exacerbated by the El Niño Southern Oscillation, is until April 10, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Joe Recalex Alingasa Jr. said in an advisory.
Private schools are given the discretion to abide with this advisory or may resume in-person classes if their learning spaces are conducive, he added.
“All affected schools shall shift to distance learning, or other alternative modalities, as approved by the DepEd,” Alingasa said as he urged parents or guardians to ensure that their learners stay safe in homes and should refrain from outdoor activities to prevent heatstroke. | CGC
