THE DEPARTMENT of Education expects the opening of classes today, September 13, to be smooth as students continue to study under a blended learning scheme.

Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said that lessons were learned from last year when distance learning was first implemented.

“Last year was about dry runs, uncertainty, how the learning delivery will happen. But this year, our parents and teachers have had one year of experience about it,” Malaluan said.

He admitted that there will be changes in terms of learning resources.

“This is why the delivery of instruction at this time requires the support and collaboration of various units. During the first week, teachers will organize students in their classes and determine which learning delivery modalities are best suited for them,” he explained.

“Usually, teachers do Messenger groups with the parents and learners themselves. There are some that have already distributed the learning resources but others will be doing it this week,” he added.

The official expects enrollment figures to go up once the final tally comes in.

“There are delays in the reporting of figures from schools and that the last day of regular enrollment is on Monday,” he said.

“Enrollment figures in the Cagayan Valley and Caraga regions have exceeded their 2020 turnout, indicating that some learners who skipped the last school year are now re-enrolling,” he added.

So far, data from the DepEd showed that nearly 22 million students enrolled for School Year 2021-2022.