We confirm that the Office of the President has issued a memorandum today, August 14, to Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones to defer the opening of classes for Academic Year 2020-2021 to October 5, 2020.

The President’s decision is based on the recommendation of the DepEd, in response to the implications of the imposition of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila and in the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal.

Per DepEd, the deferment shall apply to both public and private schools. However, for private schools which have started to conduct online classes they shall proceed holding classes, subject to present health protocols following the declared quarantine classification in their respective areas.

DepEd will release the necessary guidelines.