EDUCATION Secretary Leonor Briones said that 4,271,743 learners are participating in the progressive expansion phase of face-to-face classes.

During the launch of national BIDA Kid campaign on Tuesday, Briones said that 16,858 public schools and 396 private schools are conducting in-person classes.

She added that over 25,000 schools have been nominated by regional offices to join the expanded face-to-face classes.

“As of today, we have 21,532 schools which are nominated by the regions, by the regional directors, by the Department of Health and the Department of Education for the progressive expansion of face-to-face classes,” she said.

The DepEd, DOH and the United States Agency for International Development kicked off the national BIDA Kid campaign on Tuesday.

The campaign encourages learners, teachers, and education stakeholders to keep practicing Covid19 health and safety guidelines in schools and public spaces.