ALL schools and learning institutions will be reopened in stages for face-to-face lessons starting September 1, the Education Ministry said today.

The reopening date is based on the vaccination rate among teachers and administrations, it added.

“A total of 253,366 teachers and administrators (61.30%) and 10,876 support staff (46.33%) has received at least the first dose of vaccine as of yesterday.

“For now, students are to continue with home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) until August 31,” the ministry said.

This applies to all government schools, government-aided schools, private schools and education institutions registered with the ministry, it added.

“Any changes will be notified in advance and further details on the reopening of physical classes will be informed no later than one week before,” the ministry said. 

In-person lessons at schools lasted only briefly this year after schools reopened in phases from March. 

By May, schools were again closed and lessons moved online as the number of Covid-19 cases spiked, and in June, the whole country was placed under the movement-control order. – July 17, 2021.