Students Reclaim Classrooms as 100 Public Schools Open Pilot Run of Face-to-Face Classes

Students in a hundred public schools throughout the Philippines will be reclaiming their classrooms that have been left to gather dust amid the COVID-19 pandemic as they return to class today, Nov. 15, for the first day of the implementation of limited face-to-face classes.

This monumental day comes after almost two years of lockdown in the Philippines, which saw students study through "blended learning" as COVID-19 cases in the country rose and Metro Manila and other areas went on lockdown in March 2020.

The Department of Education (DepEd) today welcomed the participating learners, teachers, and personnel in the 100 public schools, saying that it recognizes "the significance of face-to-face learning in their social development." The education department added that more students in private and public schools shall follow suit.

"As we take a huge step of reintroducing face-to-face classes amidst the public health situation, we are optimistic that our Bayanihan spirit will live on to ensure the safety of involved stakeholders and the success of this pilot run..." DepEd said. "Together, let us mark this day as our leap of faith towards realizing Ligtas na Balik-Eskwela!"