PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has allowed the conduct of limited face-to-face classes in 120 schools in low-risk areas, the Department of Education said.

“Nonetheless, we would like to emphasize that the pilot will only be participated by at least 100 public schools and 20 private schools. These schools are located in minimal-risk areas based on the criteria set by the Department of Health, and must have passed the safety assessment using the school safety assessment tool of DepEd, and have the support of the local government unit in the form of a resolution or letter of support,” DepEd said in a statement.

“While the public schools have already undergone a selection process, the private school participants will still undergo selection,” it added.

The education department also said that schools must secure a written support and consent from the parents of students who will participate in the pilot.

“No learner shall be forced to attend the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes,” it said.

Face-to-face classes shall be conducted half-day every other week, with participating schools ensuring that class schedules are arranged equitably so that all qualified learners have the opportunity to attend face-to-face classes.

“As we made a step towards Ligtas na Balik Eskwela, we encourage our stakeholders to continue the Bayanihan for the success of this endeavor and the safety of our teachers and learners,” the agency said.