OUR schools are studying an initial proposal by the Department of Education (DepEd) to move the opening of classes to mid-August or September. This is not an easy task. It’s like being caught on a weighing scale trying to strike a balance. Small schools are affected. Extending till September would mean no tuition and miscellaneous fees. So, how would they deal with the teachers’ pay?
Bigger universities like the University of San Carlos, University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of Cebu and University of the Visayas, among others, have the same burden. Years ago, there were attempts to change the school calendar opening to September to synchronize it with other countries. But nothing happened.
Will the new schedule help in the current Covid-19 crisis? This invincible disease strikes anytime, anywhere. On the other side, will online learning suffice? We hope DepEd, after wide consultations, resolves this predicament.
Meanwhile, as they say, Pinoys are creative, flexible and capable of exerting their best efforts. So, we see them crafting novel ways to survive. Some photos on the page will tell you what I mean.