STUDENTS in 100 schools nationwide once again held classes in classrooms as the Department of Education started the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes on Monday.

DepEd thanked all the stakeholders who supported the opening of in-person learning amid the Covid19 pandemic.

“We are thankful for everyone who supported this key phase in our safe return to school advocacy, from the planning stage since 2020 to this monumental day. We are grateful to the assistance of the Department of Health, the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force], child health experts, local government units, international and local partners, school personnel, parents, and other stakeholders for reinforcing our shared responsibility framework in this critical undertaking,” the agency said in a statement.

“Most importantly, we are happy to see our learners inside our classrooms as we recognize the significance of face-to-face learning in their social development. In the coming weeks, more learners in public and private schools will follow suit as the President approved to increase the number of pilot participants,” it added.

DepEd expressed optimism that the Bayanihan spirit will live on to ensure the safety of the students and teachers and the success of the pilot run.

“In this line, we appeal to the public to always follow the required health protocols and standards. With everyone’s help in improving our country’s Covid19 situation, our vision to safely reopen more schools nationwide is not a far reality,” the agency said.