THE DEPARTMENT of Education on Thursday said that face-to-face classes even in limited form can mitigate the challenges of distance learning.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that the resumption of in-person classes is “beneficial to the students in many forms.”

“Kailangang ma-monitor natin ang learning progress ng mga bata. Meron din tayong mga inequalities sa ating lipunan sa access sa technology kasi ang ginagamit natin ngayon ay blended learning,” Briones said.

“Yung mga activities na hindi puwedeng magawa sa bahay ay puwedeng gawin sa eskwelahan. Ang pinakamahalaga ‘yung mental health and child development, kailangang ma-nurture sila, makipag-ugnay sa fellow children. ‘Yung physical growth can be encouraged sa schools,” she added.

The DepEd Chief noted that pediatric healthcare workers and scientists have recommended starting the physical classes with Stage 1 learners.

“Itong mga bata they’re growing. Nag-grow ang kanilang brains, and kanilang body. And face-to-face session will be very helpful to them at their age,” Briones explained.

“So, ang assessment mas mataas ang success ng pilot implementation sa mababang level,” she added.

Limited physical classes will start on November 15 in 120 selected schools. The pilot run will end on January 31.

The department aims to expand the program to include more schools.

Briones said that all those who will participate in the rollout should be vaccinated against Covid19.