More schools in Western Visayas have reopened for face-to-face classes amid the declining cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region.

Hernani Escullar Jr., Department of Education (DepEd-6) information officer, said 100 elementary and secondary schools are already conducting limited in-person classes as of March 22.

These are among the 210 schools in the region identified for the progressive expansion phase. The rest are still preparing for the resumption of face-to-face classes.

According to Escullar, they have been monitoring the participating schools, which are mostly public or run by the government, to ensure the continued smooth implementation.

He said physical distancing, wearing of face masks and other health protocols are strictly observed by learners and teachers.

Western Visayas has a total of 5,068 schools, of which 4,045 are public, 1,010 are private and 13 are local/state universities and colleges.IMT