DepEd lifts suspension of national events, field trips

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has lifted the suspension of national events and other off-campus activities that it had previously issued as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19).

Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Wednesday issued a memorandum allowing the holding of national and regional events as well as other off-campus activities such as field trips, starting Feb. 24.

However, she reminded organizers that all precautionary measures issued by the DepEd and the Department of Health (DOH) should be strictly followed when holding such activities.

The agency yesterday released the new schedule of national events that were postponed this month due to the directive.

The National Science and Technology Fair will be held in Quezon City from March 2 to 6, while the National Schools Press Conference in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and the National Festival of Talents in Ilagan, Isabela will be simultaneously held from March 9 to 13.

In its latest policy directives, the DepEd directed public elementary and high schools to ensure adequate supply of water and soap as well as hand sanitizers or rubbing alcohol at entrances.

It also directed officials to ensure the cleanliness of schools, including the regular disinfecting of doorknobs and handles.

The DepEd instructed schools to dedicate weekends for school-wide general cleaning and intensified disinfection efforts, which will be on top of cleaning efforts during school days.

Funds for protective measures against COVID-19 may be sourced from the schools’ maintenance and operating expenses.

The agency also reiterated its call for private schools to adopt the same precautionary measures issued by the DepEd for public schools.

Earlier this month, the DepEd suspended national and regional activities as more cases of COVID-19 were recorded in other countries.

No new case has been confirmed in the Philippines, although hundreds are still under investigation.

The DepEd said the lifting of the suspension is in line with the joint statement of the DOH, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Tourism regarding public gatherings.

Several students and DepEd personnel have been placed in quarantine either due to their travel history or exposure to people who have traveled to countries with confirmed COVID-19 cases.