New date for school opening

Dyna P. Enriquez

MERELY 10 days before the original schedule of this year’s school opening on August 24, comes the news that it will be moved to October 5.

The move is a recommendation from the Department of Education, which was approved by President Duterte, amid the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

A memorandum was issued by Malacañang on Friday (August 14), which reads: “Please be informed that pursuant to the instructions of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and as recommended by the DepEd, the opening of classes is deferred to 05 October 2020.”

The memorandum was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by virtue of the President.

As we can recall, Republic Act 11480 – which was passed just recently –allows the President to set a different date for the start of the school year in the country during a state of emergency or state of calamity.

There were also appeals consider the postponement of the school opening. In the memorandum, DepEd has been directed to ensure that all preparations have been made for the “smooth and successful” virtual opening of classes.

DepEd, for its part, said the deferment of classes would allow the department to “fill in the remaining gaps of the school opening” that it is currently addressing.

This will also be the final adjustment of the school opening, according to the DepEd.

Public officials believe the move will give education authorities more time to prepare for the implementation of blended learning.

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The author is Master Teacher I at Manibaug Paralaya Elementary School,

Porac East District