STUDENTS in the Cordillera Administrative Region continue to wear face masks inside the school amid the announcement of the Department of Education that masking is voluntary.

“Our learners still wear their face masks inside the classroom even if they are not required to use them which is a good sign that they are looking after their safety,” Department of Education-CAR Director Dr. Estela Cariño said.

“It is not mandatory but we encourage it, especially in classrooms that are crowded and also considering the indoor setting,” the director added.

Cariño said that after two years of the pandemic, everyone knows the importance of wearing face masks for protection against Covid19.

DepEd recently released a new directive allowing the optional use of face masks in public schools in accordance with Executive Order 7, issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on October 28.

EO 7 states that wearing face masks inside buildings is optional, with the exception of healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles and public transit.