The opening of classes in public and private schools for the school year 2020-2021 will be moved from June to August 24, Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Tuesday said.
In a virtual public briefing, Briones said the change in the date of class opening, which is usually in the first week of June, is legal as the law states that classes may open any time between June and August.
"August 24 will be the first day of classes but it doesn't mean physical classes because other areas are under lockdown. It could be virtual, or physical in areas where physical school opening is allowed but officially August 24, then end of school year by April 30," Briones said.
The safety and well-being of the learners are the primary factors considered by the Department of Education (DepEd) in moving to a later date the opening of classes.
Earlier, the DepEd had an online survey asking parents, education partners and other stakeholders about their preferred date for the opening of classes.
Over 700,000 respondents recommended August as the best month for the opening of classes.
Briones said there are flexible learning options, with the use of cellphones, televisions, and radios, which can be adopted by schools that cannot conduct in-person classes in August.
Teachers, however, would have to start working in June to prepare for the "new normal" in holding classes.
"But our teachers, they will be working by June 1 to 30 because it's the enrollment period, they will render service whether physically or virtually," she said.