THE HOUSE Committee on Basic Education and Culture backed the Department of Education’s measures to impose academic ease to lessen the mental stress of Kinder to Grade 12 learners.

The panel approved House Bill 7961 to protect the mental health of K to 12 learners through scholastic leniency.

Meanwhile, amended House Resolution 1383 urges the DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education to adopt a pass or drop grading system.

“The provisions of HB 7961 and HR 1383 support the fundamental principles of our Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan specifically on protecting the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and personnel. Consistent with our BE-LCP, the Secretary had issued policies in relation to the implementation of multiple learning delivery modalities and the interim policy guidelines on grading and assessing our learners. The provisions in HB 7961 had already been integrated in our past and current issuances,” Education Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction Alma Torio said.

However, DepEd said it will not adopt the pass or drop grading system because it believes that remedial classes are the solution for learners who are at risk of failing.

“The recommendation of the ExeCom as well as the ManCom is not to adopt the pass or drop grading system for our learners. Kasi ang unang konsiderasyon namin ay kung mayroon na pong mga learners na at risk of failing talagang kailangan pong mayroon tayong remediation measures,” she said.

“Kapag nakita na po natin na at risk ‘yung mga bata kailangan gumawa na po tayo ng measures para matulungan sila para po talaga masabi po natin na no one will be left behind,” Torio added.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones declared that the Department’s priority is the safety and welfare of its stakeholders.

“The welfare of our teachers and learners remains to be our priority and we will ensure that the school year 2020-2021 will be bearable for all while still promoting effective learning engagement,” Briones said.

The recommendation not to adopt the pass or drop grading system was supported by House Committee Chairman Roman Romulo, as well as Rep. France Castro, Rep. Sarah Elago, Rep. Mark Go, and Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr.