Duterte OKs Oct 5 opening of classes

President Duterte has approved the Department of Education's (DepEd) recommendation to move the opening of classes to October 5, from the original August 24 schedule.

This decision, formalized through a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, instructs DepEd to ensure all preparations for a smooth virtual opening of classes for the Academic Year 2020-2021 are in place.

The postponement came after senators urged DepEd to delay the opening due to challenges with blended learning.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones clarified that the new schedule applies to both public and private schools nationwide.

However, private institutions that have already commenced classes may be permitted to continue.

This exception includes private basic education units attached to universities or colleges, as well as stand-alone private schools that have already started their operations.