THE DEPARTMENT of Education has moved the opening of classes from August 24 to October 5.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the DepEd’s recommendation to defer the 24th of this month as start of school year 2020-2021.

Briones said she received a memorandum from the Office of the President saying that Duterte has made his decision in respect to the recommendation that she submitted on August 6 in response to the implications of the imposition of the modified enhanced community quarantine  in Metro Manila as well as in Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal.

“As per the memorandum, the President has given approval to the recommendation of DepEd. Thus, we will implement such a decision to defer school opening to October 5, 2020 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11480,” added Briones.

Briones, however, said her agency will use the deferment to provide relief to the logistical limitations faced by the areas under MECQ and to fill in the remaining gaps of the school opening that the DepEd is addressing.

She also said that areas outside MECQ are directed to continue their orientations, dry runs, and delivery of learning resources to be ready for the opening of classes on October 5, 2020.

“We trust that this is the final adjustment of the school opening. Even with the implementation of MECQ, we will use this time to make the necessary adjustments and ensure that all preparations have been made for the successful opening of classes for school year 2020-2021,” the DepEd chief added.