The Department of Education (DepEd) has allowed the optional mask-wearing of students inside the classroom premises.

This was announced by DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa on Tuesday, Nov. 1, a day before the implementation of full face-to-face classes in public schools.

“We will follow EO [Executive Order] 7,” Poa said in a statement.

Last Friday, Oct. 28, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. issued the signed EO 7 which allows voluntary use of face masks both indoors and outdoors across the country.

"Schools may immediately implement optional masking indoors, pursuant to EO7,” Poa said.

All public schools are mandated to transition to five-days in-person classes on Wednesday, Nov. 2, as per the guidelines under DepEd order no. 4.

No public school shall be allowed to implement purely distance learning or blended learning, the order stated.

Meanwhile, private schools were allowed to implement any learning options such as five day in-person classes, blended learning, or full distance learning.