THE DEPARTMENT of Education said that 17,479 public and private schools are ready to join the progressive expansion phase of face-to-face classes.

The agency’s regional offices nominated 17,054 public and 425 private schools for the expansion.

“We are optimistic with this upward trend on the number of schools already implementing classroom-based learning. With support from the Central and Regional Offices, we are keen on reintroducing physical classes to more localities in the country,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

Currently, there are 13,692 public and private schools participating in the progressive expansion of in-person classes.

With more schools intending to join, DepEd plans to release policies in relation to the gradual expansion of physical classes, including an updated SSAT.

“The SSAT will ensure that our schools are ready for the changes in managing face-to-face classes while guiding our field offices in the provision of logistical and technical assistance needed by schools,” Briones said.