THE DEPARTMENT of Education will conduct a virtual launch of ‘Handang Isip, Handa Bukas’ two weeks before the opening of classes, featuring the localized implementation of the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan.

The August 10 launching will give the public a better understanding on the preparations of several schools and new procedures ahead of the school year.

“Na-practice na namin ito. On August 10, i-launch natin ang opening ng school year pero praktisado na ito kasi dinry-run namin ano’ng itsura kung radio, ano’ng itsura kung TV, ano’ng mangyari kung online o platform, ano’ng mangyari kung modular,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in her report to President Duterte last week.

Ten schools of different types nationwide are set to show how they have contextualized the BE-LCP through simulation activities conducted in preparation for the opening of classes.

As one of the first schools in the country to conduct a dry run for distance learning, Navotas National High School will present its BE-LCP implementation in the context of large urban school.

Mangayon Elementary School in Compostela Valley and Don Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. Memorial National High School in Dinagat Islands will highlight their preparation initiatives in a mountain and an island school setting, respectively.

IP and SPED schools, meanwhile, will be represented by Calay IP School in Sarangani Province and Malaya Elementary School in Pililla, Rizal, respectively.

Marinduque’s Don Luis Hidalgo Memorial School (rural-complete school), Abra’s Sucao ES (multi-grade school), Isabela’s Santiago City NHS (urban-medium) and Shining Light Academy (private), and Davao del Norte’s TAGUMpay Palengskwelehan ALS Center (school with community learning center) round up the schools that will present.

In addition, parents and learners who participated in the dry runs conducted are scheduled to give their testimonies about their experiences.

‘Handang Isip, Handa Bukas’ is the theme of DepEd for school year 2020-2021 as it implements the BE-LCP to provide education continuity and ensure health and welfare of learners and teachers amidst the pandemic.

The program will be livestreamed on DepEd’s Facebook pages and government TV channels PTV-4 and IBC-13 as well as regional local channels that have partnered with the department for distance learning.