THE Inter-Agency Task Force Against Covid19 expressed strong support for the conduct of face-to-face classes in all public and private schools for basic education, according to Malacañang.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar, however, said Covid19 vaccination should not be made a requirement for participants of in-person classes.

“Instead, the IATF encouraged public and private educational institutions for basic education to undertake Covid19 vaccination programs for their respective learners,” Andanar said in a statement.

“To provide an opportunity for children to be vaccinated, public educational institutions for basic education are enjoined to allow the Department of Health alongside with their respective local government units, to facilitate the conduct of the Covid19 vaccination programs within their premises,” he added.

Andanar, meanwhile, said private educational institutions for basic education may undertake vaccination programs in coordination with the DOH and the LGU concerned within their premises.

He reiterated the vaccination programs shall be conducted with the informed consent given and signed by the parent/guardian, and the assent given by the learner pursuant to applicable DOH guidelines.

“The DOH, in coordination with the respective LGUs, shall ensure the proper implementation of the COVID-19vaccination programs for basic education learners in public and private educational institutions,” Andanar said.

The Department of Education earlier announced 25,786 public and private schools joined the progressive expansion phase of face-to-face classes.

Of the figures, the education department said 25,122 were public schools and 664 were private schools.