The Department of Education, through the Curriculum and Instruction Strand, issues DM-CI-2022-009 or the Reiteration of the Policy on Academic Ease and Allowing the Suspension of Classes and other Teaching-Related Activities in the Midst of the Surge in COVID-19 Cases.
As the country experiences an alarming surge in COVID-19 cases and in consideration of teachers’ and learners’ health and well-being, the Department of Education (DepEd) urges the Regional Offices (RO) and/or Schools Division Offices (SDO) to exercise discretion in suspending classes and other teaching-related activities.
Given the varying health situations in different areas, the ROs/SDOs are given the option, based on their reliable assessment of the health status of their teachers and learners and the IATF risk classification, to declare suspension of classes within the month of January 2022. The ROs/SDOs shall decide on the specific dates and number of days for the suspension of classes as long as the period of class suspension does not exceed two (2) weeks in order to avoid a prolonged disruption in the current school calendar.
During the suspension of classes, all synchronous and asynchronous classes shall be put on hold while submission of academic requirements and conduct of other teaching-related activities must be moved to a later date. For late submission of requirements, accommodations must be afforded for those with valid reasons.
Private schools, in consultation with their respective parents’ associations, may exercise their own discretion relative to the suspension of classes and K to 12 learning activities when COVID-19 risks in their respective areas are high.
Read the complete memorandum here.