March 28, 2024

A Department of Education official said the agency cannot announce a nationwide “academic break” despite the increase in the number of learners and teachers with flu-like symptoms or testing positive for Covid-19.
This is after a group of teachers called on the government to declare a two-week “health break” in schools under Alert Level 3 like the National Capital Region where 55.1 percent of 7,448 public school teachers are sick according to a survey.
In an online media forum, DepEd Usec. Diosdado San Antonio said the Covid-19 situation is different in every part of the country, reason why the DepEd cannot declare a nationwide academic break.
“Kung ano iyong sitwasyon sa Covid-19 ay dapat may angkop na aksiyon ang ating mga principal at mga school superintendent,” he said.
He added the advice of the Department of Health is needed when declaring an academic break due to health concerns.
In consideration of the learners’ situation especially in public schools, San Antonio said schools can implement an academic ease policy where requirements could be submitted later or certain learning module activities may be considered optional.
Public schools that would opt to take a break should adjust to meet the number of school days for the academic year.
Some higher education institutions and private schools have suspended their classes for two weeks starting Jan. 10 onwards as most of their students and teachers experience flu-like symptoms. – PNA