The record high of COVID 19 cases in the Philippines reaches to 20,382 consisting 4,248
recoveries and 984 death cases as of June 4, 2020. Most of these new cases recorded
were a by-product of the backlogged test results which were not accounted for on time due
to the limitations of testing materials and the fact that some personnel of the agency in
charge of verifying the test results were themselves hit by the same virus. Lately, many
testing facilities were accredited by the Department of Health that resulted to the production
of more up-to-date results, both positive and negative one.  As the government started to
loosen its grip in the Community Quarantine in the Metro cities started this week, the
different agencies and industries are gradually starting to gather and re-organize to regain
resources and capital lost during the lockdown.  At the same time, other aspect of society,
like education has to start re-assessing itself in order to move forward.

Secretary Leonor Briones of the Department of Education (DepEd), in charge of the K-to-12
Education in the Philippines, announces the Opening of Classes this August 24, 2020.  This
is not the typical opening of classes in the basic education which normally starts on the first
Monday of June every year. This decision of DepEd, the education agency, was based on
the recommendation of Inter-Agency Task Force which was in charged to oversee the
general welfare of all sectors of society especially concerning health issues. Moreover, this
is also in accord with the Republic Act 7797 which dictates that school opening should not
be beyond the last day of August of every year.  However, this reality did not leave the
department some challenges brought about by COVID 19.  Hence, Educational Leaders of
the Central Office in consultation with other stakeholders both from public and private
agencies crafted some policies and guideline in order to sustain the quality of K12
education despite the pandemic.