THE DEPARTMENT of Education expects some oversight as nationwide opening of classes in public schools starts today, October 5, 2020.

“When it comes to preparations, it would be the last-minute distribution of self-learning modules to the children whose parents failed to get their copies from the schools early on,” said DepEd Undersecretary Tonisino Umali during the Laging Handa public briefing.

During the program, Umali gave updates on the preparation of the department, schools, and teachers to the nationwide opening of classes.

He stressed that the DepEd developed its Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan, which outlines how students are to be educated this school year through alternative modalities such as modular, online, and TV or radio-based instruction.

Umali added the department also conducted training and orientations for teachers and parents to fully understand the new ways of learning as part of its preparation for school opening.

But the undersecretary noted how DepEd is anticipating challenges on the first day of classes, “since this is the first time we will be doing distance learning” on such a massive scale.

Umali stressed possible challenges on the first day of classes may include issues of parents and learners who might have a hard time understanding the contents of the modules, and concerns on internet connectivity for those who are attending online classes.

Despite this, the DepEd official assured that appropriate interventions will be in place to address such concerns by vowing to assist both parents and teachers.

“If there are issues in module distribution, DepEd will bring it to them. We will be very flexible. If they will be having problems in their chosen modalities, they can shift to other options,” Umali said.