by Arabella Balderama

The Department of Education (DepEd) released DepEd Order (DO) No. 44 series of 2022 on Monday, October 17, stating that private schools have the option to choose between implementing full in-person classes, blended learning, or full distance learning modality.  

Signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, DO 44 allows private school students to attend three to four days of onsite classes and one to two days of distance learning under the blended modality.

Prior to issuing the said order, both public and private schools were initially required to return to full face-to-face classes by November 2, under the previously ordered DO 34.

“DepEd is cognizant of the current situation of the private sector due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic–the amount of investment in online learning technologies, the development and institutionalization of best practices on blended learning, and the unfortunate closure of small private schools because of losses,” the department said.

Thus, private schools were authorized to discuss their preferred learning modality among the parents, guardians, and students for school year 2022-2023.

They also vowed to hasten the review process of blended learning modalities to ensure that it addresses learning challenges and are beneficial for students.

On the other hand, all public schools are still maintained to transition to full face-to-face classes by November 2, except those authorized by regional directors and those whose classes were affected by natural disasters.