DepEd awaits IATF, DOH call on school kids’ vaccination

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has deferred the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and the Department of Health (DOH) on the vaccination of school children against COVID-19.

In a statement yesterday, the DepEd said it would still hold discussions with the IATF and DOH and focus its efforts on encouraging teachers and other DepEd personnel to get vaccinated.

“As of now, the department is focused on supporting the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP) and encouraging our teachers and personnel to get vaccinated in preparation for the eventual implementation of limited face-to-face classes in low-risk areas,” the DepEd said.

The department also stressed that it was awaiting President Duterte’s decision on whether to conduct limited face-to-face classes soon.

“Should the President and the IATF allow limited face-to-face classes based on the gains of our COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the DepEd shall still employ stringent conditions and safety protocols in our field offices and schools that will participate in the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes,” it said.

“As the department looks forward to return to the ‘new normal,’ we urge everyone to continue cooperating with the government’s vaccination and other COVID-19 mitigation efforts for the protection of our children, families and communities,” it said.

Meanwhile, the department is set to release the P5,000 cash allowance of classroom teachers for school year 2021-2022.

The DepEd and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) yesterday issued a joint circular order laying down the guidelines for the implementation of the cash allowance.

Under the circular, classroom teachers will receive P5,000 for the purchase of teaching supplies and materials “tangible or intangible; for the conduct of various modes of learning, internet and other communication expenses; and for their annual medical examination expense.”