DepEd postpones February events due to nCoV scare

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday announced the suspension of its events scheduled this month due to the threat of novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD).

These upcoming events include National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), National Festival of Talents (NFOT) and National Science and Technology Fair (NSPC).

“Secretary Briones has announced that the Department will issue a memorandum giving details on the postponement of specific national DepEd events usually held in February such as the NSTF, NFOT, and NSPC,” DepEd said in a statement on Facebook.

The 2020 NSPC was supposed to be held from Feb. 17 to Feb. 21, hosted by Region II in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, as stated in DepEd Memorandum No. 176 s. 2019.

In another memorandum, DepEd said the NFOT was scheduled from Feb. 17 to Feb. 21 in Ilagan, Isabela.

DepEd said the NSTF is supposedly scheduled from Feb. 10 to Feb. 14 but they have yet to decide on the venue for the event.

The education department also clarified that the Palarong Pambansa will not be suspended as it would officially open by May this year.

DepEd also noted that they will soon release a memorandum that will disclose further information on suspension of the events.

The DOH previously reported that they are investigating 80 individuals in the Philippines who are possibly infected with the 2019-nCoV ARD.

READ: 80 patients now under investigation for new coronavirus – DOH