Education Secretary Leonor Briones said Wednesday learners who want to participate in face-to-face classes are not required to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

“Not necessarily, hindi (not) required. It is voluntary kasi ang parents ang magdi-decide diyan (because the parents will be the ones to decide on that), but, of course, we will encourage them,” Briones said during a televised public briefing.

She said the Department of Education has a similar policy with the Department of Health regarding the needed consent from the parents on pediatric vaccination.

Citing zero cases of Covid-19 among 15,000 learners involved in the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes, Briones said young children have high level of immunity against diseases.

Meantime, teaching and non-teaching personnel who will participate in the face-to-face classes are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Unvaccinated personnel who need to report to schools must be tested for Covid-19 and be able to submit the result.

To date, a total of 4,295 schools started face-to-face classes while 6,213 schools are ready for implementation based on the criteria set by the concerned government agencies.

The DepEd implemented the progressive expansion of the in-person classes on February 22 upon President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval. (PNA)