THE Department of Education (DepEd) said on Tuesday that the first day of implementation of face-to- face classes yesterday was a “success”.

“A total of 97 out of 100 public schools were able to begin the limited in-school classes, which equivalent to 97 percent and that’s remarkable,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a virtual press briefing.

She said so far there were 6,213 learners and 924 teachers who participated in face-to-face classes from 97 schools on November 15.

“We are still expecting that the number of learners will increase because region VII and Region X are yet to submit their data”, She added.

Meanwhile, DepEd Director Jocelyn Andaya yesterday gave updates on the private schools that offer basic education to participate in the pilot run next Monday, November 22.

Andya explained that each region was requested to nominate a maximum of three private schools.

With this, there were 97 private schools nationwide submitted to the regional offices their expression of intent to participate.

However, the 12 regional offices of Deped nominated only for 33 private schools to the central office, according to Andya.

She said the 20 private schools that will join the face-to-face classes on November 22were coming from the 33 nominated schools.

According to DepEd, the 20 private schools are from Region 1: 100 Islands Cowboy Christian Learning Center and Our Saviour’s Foundation

Region III are Mother of Good Counsel Seminary, Academica de Meridien, and Singapore School Clark.

Region VI: St. Anthony’s College, Oxmont Memorial Academy, and Gamot Cogon Waldorf School Inc.

Region VII: Sisters of Mary Schools Inc. – Boystown

Region VIII – Notre Dame of Abuyog (SHS – TVL track) and Mt. Moriah Christian Academy

Region IX: Metro Dipolog Baptist Academy, Deor & Dune Academe of Technology (SHS – TVL track), St. Paul’s Institute of Technology (SHS – TVL track), and Xavier University Senior High School (SHS – TVL track)

Region XI: Ato Padada Christian School, BEST College of Polomolok (SHS- TVL track), Banga Evangelical Church Elementary School, Inc., Midsayap Montessori Centre, and New Moriah Adventist ES

Before the start of pilot run in private schools on November 22, Andaya said that there will be an orientation with the 20 private schools on Wednesday, November 17.