Central Luzon public schools on ‘health break’

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — Various school divisions in Central Luzon have also implemented an ”academic health break” due to rising COVID-19 cases.

Based on memorandum circulars issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office, classes in Pampanga are suspended from Jan. 17-21; Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Olongapo City, Jan. 17 to 28, and Zambales, Jan. 17 to 29.

Bataan, Bulacan and Zambales will remain under the stricter Alert Level 3 until the end of the month.

In a memorandum issued by Bulacan schools division superintendent, Zenia Mostoles, the DepEd regional office had earlier approved the request of elementary and high schools in the province to suspend classes from Jan. 14 to 27.

This means virtual and physical classes in public schools in these areas shall be put on hold. Submission of academic requirements and conduct of other teaching-related activities should be moved to a later date.

Private schools have the discretion to suspend classes in consultation with parents.

The Bulacan State University is also implementing an academic health break from Jan. 17 to 23, Cecilia Gascon, Bulsu president, said in a text message.

Bulsu’s main campus is in Malolos. It also has branches in Bulakan, Hagonoy, Pulilan, Bustos and San Jose del Monte City.