THE DEPARTMENT of Education announced private schools may already open classes for School Year 2021-2022 even if the approval for general school opening remains pending.

The department said private and non-DepEd public schools can now open their school year ahead of public schools provided there will still be no face-to-face classes.

At the same time, it reminded school administrators that they should implement distance learning system.

“Private schools and non-DepEd schools intending to start classes ahead of the general school opening shall submit the relevant documents to their regional director as required under DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2020 and DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2020 on readiness assessment,” the DepEd said.

The department was eyeing three dates for the opening of classes for the next school year — August 23, September 6, and September 13.

President Duterte earlier rejected again the proposal of DepEd to hold limited face-to-face classes in low risk areas.