THE DEPARTMENT of Education on Tuesday said that the first day of limited face-to-face classes was a success.

“Malugod nating tinanggap ang unang mga mag-aaral natin na tumuntong muli sa ating mga paaralan physically, matapos ang mahigit isang school year na tayo ay pure distance learning,” DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said during a Malacañang news briefing.

Malaluan noted that the pilot implementation will be a “learning experience” for the full implementation of physical classes in 2022.

“This is preparatory for an expansion phase. We are confident that we will be able to successfully conduct this pilot phase,” he said.

“We will learn from it, so that we will be ready for the reintroduction of face-to-face classes sa susunod na taon na 2022,” he added.

On Monday, thousands of students across the country returned to schools since in-person classes were suspended due to the pandemic.

At least 100 public schools in Covid19 low-risk areas joined the pilot implementation.

Meanwhile, DepEd Director Jocelyn Andaya bared that from 33 nominated private schools, only 20 will push through with in-person classes on November 22.

Andaya said that there will be an orientation with the 20 private schools on Nov. 17 before the start of their pilot run next week.

The private schools included 2 in Ilocos Region, 3 in Central Luzon, 3 in Western Visayas, 3 in Central Visayas, 4 in Zamboanga Peninsula and 4 in Davao Region.

Those who were not selected for pilot run will be considered in the expansion phase.