Opening of classes for the school year 2020 has been moved to October 5, 2020, ten days before its supposed start on August 24, as announced by the Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Friday, August 14, 2020.

Watch the DepEd press conference earlier today here:

“As per the memorandum from the Office of the President, based on our recommendation, we will defer the opening of classes to October 5,” Briones said.

"We trust that this is the final adjustment of the school opening. Even with the implementation of [modified enhanced community quarantine], we will use this time to make the necessary adjustments and ensure that all preparations have been made for the successful opening of classes," Briones added.

This announcement was after lawmakers and several groups called to the government to postpone the school calendar this year, stressing that schools, teachers, and learners are not ready, even for “blended learning” which does not require face-to-face classes. On August 10, Briones rejected fresh calls for postponement, saying it will work against students.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), which was one of the groups who eagerly pushed for the postponement of class resumption amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, released a statement celebrating the schedule change of class reopening this year announced by the government.  

"DepEd's announcement of deferring school opening to October 5 is brought about by the clamor of stakeholders grounded on very valid and sound arguments which the agency can no longer deny," ACT Secretary-General Raymond Basilio said.

To be embed:

"We have proven today that the people's voices can and will triumph, and we shall continue to push the government to fulfill the requisites for a safe, accessible, and quality education,” he added.

Most people on the social media claimed that the deferment of opening of classes this year is a right move as the country’s COVID-19 cases continues to increase.