THE QUEZON City government has officially adopted a blended learning program in all public schools to ensure continuous learning amid pressing challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and climate-related disruptions.

In a news release on Thursday, the city government said Mayor Joy Belmonte signed Ordinance SP-3405, S-2025, establishing blended learning in public elementary and high schools to promote accessible, flexible, and quality learning opportunities for all its students.

“By institutionalizing DepEd’s (Department of Education) flexible learning policy through this ordinance, Quezon City is turning national guidance into real action,” she said.

“Face-to-face learning is still the foundation of our public school system, but when students cannot be physically present, we now have a safe, structured alternative.”

Belmonte said the ordinance sets clear guidelines for schools to shift to blended or flexible learning when classes are disrupted by emergencies, including heavy rains and bad weather, or even overcrowding and classroom shortages.

She said it also gives a strong local government backing to the DepEd’s directive on flexible learning, ensuring consistent funding, planning, and support at the city level.

To make this work on the ground, Belmonte said the city is already investing in better school connectivity, teacher training, and community awareness for students and parents.

It is also studying the transformation of underutilized community spaces into neighborhood learning hubs with Wi-Fi and study tools, ensuring students have safe and accessible places to continue their lessons close to home.

“We are investing in our schools so that learning doesn’t stop—whether it’s due to natural disasters, heat waves, or simply not having enough classrooms,” she said. (PNA)