MORE schools will participate in the rollout of limited face-to-face classes following the approval by President Rodrigo Duterte of the program’s expansion.

Based on the assessment of the Department of Education, more schools are qualified to be included in the list given the continuous improvement of the Covid19 situation in many areas.

From the latest transmittal of the Department of Health, 484 out of the 638 identified schools passed the granular risk assessment.

The DepEd said that the expansion of the number of pilot schools “will allow a greater degree of experience among all our regions that will serve us well for the expanded phase of face-to-face classes.”

“We have also received several appeals from LGUs, including NCR, to have their schools in their jurisdiction selected in the pilot implementation,” it said in a statement.

On November 15, 100 public schools will start holding face-to-face classes. They will be followed by 20 private schools on November 22.

DepEd said that the pilot program will remain consistent with public health standards, rules, and regulations.

“We hope for the continuous support of our LGU officials, partners, teachers, parents, and community leaders as we are set to welcome back our learners in schools on a limited basis starting on Monday,” it said.