THE DEPARTMENT of Education expects all schools to resume face-to-face classes next school year.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said regional offices will come up with different approaches and modalities based on the assessment of the Department of Health and local governments in their areas.

“By June, which is already a few days away from now, sa next academic school year, ine-expect natin na fully 100 percent na ang pag-implement ng face-to-face,” Briones said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

The DepEd chief said 73 percent of public schools have resumed physical classes.

“So, right now, ang sinasabi ko 73.28 percent na ng public schools at saka mayroon din tayong mga private schools na ini-urge natin, ine-encourage natin na bumalik na sila sa face-to-face,” she added.

Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said they are encouraging all schools to hold in-person learning.

The department, he added, will push  for a hybrid setup if the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will allow a number of days in a week for In-person classes.

“Tinitingnan namin na blended na may face-to-face class na mga araw at may araw na papayagan na nasa bahay pa rin natututo ang mga bata,” San Antonio said.

The Department of Health earlier said that attending physical classes is crucial for the mental and social development of students.

It said that face-to-face classes allow children to develop their cognitive and social skills.

“F2F promotes physical and mental health and well-being. This is based on the latest scientific evidence,” the department said.