PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has yet to decide on the conduct of pilot face-to-face classes in low-risk areas, Malacañang said on Monday.

Palace Spokesman Harry Roque said that Duterte gave a “positive reaction” to the presentation of Education Secretary Leonor Briones on the proposed physical classes.

“Hindi po naipakita sa Talk to the People (last Saturday) ‘yan pero nag-report po si Sec. Briones kay Presidente at si Presidente naman po ay positive ang kanyang reaksiyon doon sa possibility na magkakaroon po tayo ng (pilot classes) on a very limited basis,” Roque said.

“Kung hindi po ako nagkakamali, mga 150 schools lang po ang ating pilot doon sa mga lugar po na kakaunti talaga ang kaso ng Covid,” he added.

“Pero hintayin po natin ang final decision. Kumbaga, naghahanda po tayo sa pilot pero wala pang actual go signal,” Roque said.

Several groups have urged the President to allow the gradual and safe resumption of in-person classes, saying that “prolonged school closures have negative impacts to the students.”

The Department of Education and the Department of Health earlier identified 120 schools where physical classes will be held once the President allows it.