The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said schools in Masbate province may shift to blended learning as an alternative to in-person classes following the clash between the New People's Army (NPA) and the military.
"The suspension of in-person classes and immediate shift to blended learning shall be left to the discretion of the school heads/principals, upon due assessment and proper coordination with the concerned LGU - keeping in mind the peace and order situation, as well as the mental health of learners and school personnel," it said in a statement.
Official statement on the Masbate terrorist encounters pic.twitter.com/zLwjei7dsf
— DepEd (@DepEd_PH) March 23, 2023
The education department tasked DepEd Regional Office V and School Division Office (SDO) Masbate to ensure that there would be no suspension of classes.
On March 22, NPA and the military had a heated encounter in nearby schools in Placer and Kawayan, Masbate, causing disruption of classes and widespread panic among teachers and students.
DepEd condemned the alarming rate of communist rebel activities in the province, saying that it "remains defiant against these fear-mongering tactics of terrorists as the agency commits to deliver basic education to all, even in disadvantaged areas."
It said that Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has conversed with authorities to protect school personnel and learners in Masbate, adding that she has expressed intention to visit the affected areas once determined that "her presence will not disrupt ongoing operations."
"We invite the public to remain vigilant in the fight against terrorism and violence," DepEd said further.
