THE DEPARTMENT of Education plans to implement an “alternate week” schedule for students attending face-to-face classes.

Undersecretary Toni Umali explained that under this system, students will attend physical classes every other week but teachers will report to work every day.

Umali attended the public hearing held by the Committee on Basic Education and Culture of the House of Representatives.

Currently, only kinder to grade three students as well as senior high school students with technical vocational courses with workshop and laboratories are allowed to attend the pilot face-to-face classes.

Marikina Representative Stella Quimbo expressed concern for the teachers who will regularly report to work.

“I worry that talagang nagdu-dwindle ‘yung enthusiasm ng teachers to participate in face-to-face. Since the expectation is that continuously dapat pumasok ang teachers kahit na ang estudyante ay every other week, sana po mapag-aralan niyo pa po ‘yung concern,” she said.

Committee Chairman Rep.  Roman Romulo said that face-to-face classes cannot be conducted in municipalities or cities without the local government’s go signal.