New school calendar; public and private infrastructure projects approved
MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force in Emerging Infectious Diseases met yesterday and approved the Department of Education’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan which defined the new school calendar from August 24,2020 to April 30,2021.
In a press briefing at midday today, Secretary Roque said private schools may opt to open their classes by next month. However, there would be no face-to-face instructions until August 24,2020. He mentioned the other modes for basic education would range from distance learning and home schooling. Extra-curricular activities including school sports competitions, campus journalism and job fairs will be cancelled.
He added the IATF also approved the recommendations from the National Greening Program and the National Forest Protection Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
An amendment was introduced to the Omnibus Guidelines in the implementation of Community Quarantine in the country. Private and public construction projects, infrastructure projects in Enhanced Community Quarantine areas will be allowed. The construction of quarantine and isolation facilities for persons under monitoring, suspect and confirmed COVID-19 patients and facilities for construction personnel who perform emergency works, flood control and other disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation programs, sewerage projects, water service facility projects and digital works.
Projects that would enhance food production, agriculture, fishery, fish port development, energy, housing, communication, water facilities, manufacturing and business process outsourcing shall be permitted subject to the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
All public and private construction activities will be allowed in the General Community Quarantine. (Melo M. Acuña)
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. (Screen grab from PTV 4)
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