THE DEPARTMENT of Education in the Cordillera Administrative Region chose 60 schools where face-to-face classes will be conducted.

It said that only 60 out of the 1,843 schools in different provinces were chosen.

These include 10 elementary schools each in Abra and Apayao; and 10 elementary and high schools in the provinces of Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Tabuk City.

The local government in Benguet has yet to submit its endorsement.

DepEd Regional Director Estella Cariño said that officials prefer to hold face-to-face classes in schools where learners and teachers came from one family or clan.

She said that a maximum of 20 learners will be allowed in a 9×7-meter classroom while only 15 students will be allowed in a 7×7-meter classroom.

All schools that will join the pilot testing of face-to-face classes should have safety protocols in place, and should have toilets and  hand washing stations.

Also, these schools should have a nurse to monitor the health condition of learners.