Barangays to help ensure physical distancing in classrooms

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education will tap local government units, especially barangays to ensure that students will observe physical distancing measures if limited face-to-face classes will be allowed in areas with no cases of coronavirus disease 2019, a DepEd official said yesterday.

Classes in public schools will open on Aug. 24.

Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said they expect communities to help out in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

San Antonio said the barangays and communities work together to implement the DepEd’s programs.

He said public schools have worked with barangay officials in the past to keep public schools safe and conducive to learning for school children.

“‘Yung sa labas ng paaralan, siguro matutulungan tayo ng barangay officials sa pagsisiguro na ang mga bata ay sumusunod sa social distancing,” he said.

San Antonio, however, said the DepEd has yet to issue an order allowing limited face-to-face classes.

He said they expect the communities to assist schools in implementing health and safety protocols against the new virus.