THE DEPARTMENT of Education acknowledged the results of the PAHAYAG survey that majority of Filipinos are supportive of the blended learning environment.

According to the survey results, 75 percent of those polled were receptive to the blended learning environment during the pandemic. The survey was done by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. from December 3 to 9, 2020.

The department thanked the public for their continuous cooperation and support for the implementation of Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan.

“DepEd shall continue to work with its partners and stakeholders to address the challenges of distance learning modalities,” it said.

The department noted that it developed several alternative platforms for learning such as  DepEd Commons, DepEd TV, and other locally-contextualized initiatives.

“However, we also recognize that traditional face-to-face learning is still vital to child development. It also immediately addresses the issue of connectivity and lack of focus and interaction among learners. This is backed up by the results of the same survey, as approximately 60 percent of respondents indicated that they prefer to spend most or all of their learning time at school,” it said.

The Education department will start holding limited face-to-face classes in January next year.

The pilot implementation will determine the capacity of localities to manage the reintroduction of in-person classes, given the stringent conditions and health protocols.

“To be conducted with extra caution, the participation of schools in the pilot run will require a commitment for shared responsibility of DepEd, the local government unit, and the parents or guardians. Schools must also have stringent health and safety standards at home, during travel, and within school premises to be considered. For learners, they must secure a requisite permit issued by their parents before being allowed to join the pilot,” the department said.

“As we commit towards shared responsibility of protecting our learners’ health and welfare, we hope that our local government unit, our parents or guardians, as well as our transportation and service providers, and other stakeholders will come together to support the challenges in achieving a better normal for our communities,” it added.