By: Shenelle Olyn C. Santos

On October 5, 2020, the Department of Education opened the academic year 2020 – 2021, pushing the start of the country’s transition to online learning. 

On a nationally televised screen, Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones welcomed the 24.7 M enrolled students as they face the opening of the distance learning amidst pandemic due to COVID-19.

“We declare our victory over COVID-19, the destroyer of our lives, the destroyer of our economy and of our way of life and society. But we will not allow COVID-19 to destroy our children’s education and their future,” said Briones in her statement during the School Opening Day National Program. 

In her speech, Briones also expressed her gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte and the other members of the cabinet who supported and made the continuity of the education system possible. 

“Indeed, nothing can get in the way of the instructions and formations of our learners — not even the pandemic. This time also ushers us in a new era in our basic education program as we now ventured into (the) distance and online learning,” President Duterte in his recorded speech. 

On the contrary, there is a growing public concern regarding the implementation of online classes amidst the health crisis, proposing an “Academic Freeze” due to the current situation of the nation. 

Whilst, Briones said she is confident that blended learning will work despite the growing number of oppositions against distance learning.