FIFTEEN more  public schools in Western Visayas joined the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes on Monday, December 6.

Twenty schools in the region have already participated in the program.

DepEd-6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said the region submitted 171 schools for the expansion phase of physical classes but only 15 schools were approved.

The schools allowed to resume limited classes for Kindergarten to Grade 3 learners were the Banga Elementary School in Aklan, Taras Elementary School in Guimaras, Olotayan Integrated School in Capiz, and Hiyang Hiyang Elementary School, Aguntilang Elementary School, Colonia Divina Integrated School, Patag Diotay Elementary School and Mauboy Elementary School all in Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, Malinao School for Philippine Craftsmen in Aklan, Antique National School in Antique, Mabini National High School in Bacolod City, Valladolid National High School, Victorias National High School in Negros Occidental, Mulapula National High School in Iloilo, and Alangilan National High School in Bacolod City conducted classes for students in Grade 11 to 12.

“In terms of classes, they still follow the stringent health standards as provided in the joint memorandum circular of DepEd and the Department of Health” Escullar said.

At least 177 schools, including 28 in Metro Manila, joined the expansion phase of limited onsite learning.

Around 100 public schools in Covid19 low-risk areas joined the pilot implementation on November 15. A week later, 18 private schools also resumed in-person classes.

The assessment period for the initial run of pilot face-to-face classes will be until December 22, 2021. The pilot study is set to end on January 31, 2022, the DepEd said.