THE Department of Education (DepEd) today said it will not declare a nationwide “academic break” being pushed by many in response to the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases.
During the Laging Handa briefing, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said that class suspensions depends on the situation and needs of a particular area.
This was the decision reached during a meeting of the executive committee, Malaluan said.
Malaluan explained that the COVID-19 situation is different in many parts of the country, the reason why it is not feasible to declare a nationwide “academic break.”
He said this is only being enforced in consideration of teachers and students who are getting sick.
The DepEd official also said they are still consolidating the number of areas that suspended classes.
Also, the extension on the number of school days under academic break in certain areas will still be “subject for determination.”
Meanwhile, Malalauan emphasized that despite the suspension of classes due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, they still consider the holding of face-to-face classes as a success.
In fact, Malaluan said the DepEd is already meeting to consider the possibility of a progressive expansion of face-to-face classes.