AN OFFICIAL of the Department of Education on Wednesday said that it cannot declare a nationwide “academic break” because the pandemic situation varies across the country.

“Hindi puwedeng sa buong bansa sasabihin [namin na] magkakaroon ng academic break kasi iba-iba naman ‘yong COVID situation,” Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said in a press briefing.

San Antonio reminded the public that schools can declare an “academic ease” based on their situation.

During such a break, deadlines for requirements can be moved or some items in learning modules can be made optional.

“Kung ano iyong sitwasyon sa Covid19 ay dapat may angkop na aksiyon ang ating mga principal, mga schools superintendent,” San Antonio said.

If public schools opt to take a break, they have to make adjustments to meet the minimum number of school days for the academic year, he added.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Teachers’ Dignity Coalition earlier called for “health breaks” in public schools, saying many educators and students have gotten sick amid the surge in Covid19 cases.