3 schools suspend in-person classes

MANILA, Philippines — The pilot in-person classes in three public schools in Zambales were suspended yesterday after some teachers tested positive for COVID in an antigen test.

The School Division of Zambales said the antigen test was conducted on Sunday at the San Marcelino National High School and Baliwet Elementary School, both located in San Marcelino town.

The Banawen Elementary School in nearby San Felipe town also deferred the in-person classes as some teachers were still waiting for the results of their antigen tests.

The antigen testing was among the requirements set under a memorandum of agreement signed between the school officials and local government units to ensure the safety of indigenous people communities from COVID, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

“The School Division superintendent gave assurance that classes would begin in these schools once teachers and other personnel test negative for COVID,” DepEd said in a statement.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers said the situation in three Zambales schools proves that mandatory testing for teachers is crucial as the country resumes the face-to-face classes for basic education.

“The antigen testing of those teachers, which yielded positive results, saved a lot of their co-workers and learners from possible exposure to the virus. Screening test can intelligently guide safe school reopening, and assuage the worries of teachers and learners,” ACT secretary general Ramon Basilio said.

The DepEd has yet to select schools in Metro Manila that will be included in the implementation of the pilot in-person classes that started yesterday.

Metro Manila is currently under Alert Level 2, which allows face-to-face classes at the basic education level.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma said they are still discussing the matter with the mayors of Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, in Pangasinan, the first day of the pilot run of the limited in-person classes at the Longos Elementary School in Alaminos City was successful.

Pangasinan School Division superintendent Loran Bugayong told The STAR that the children were excited and happy to be in the classroom again.

At least 80 students of the Longos Elementary School from kindergarten to Grade 3 joined the pilot in-person classes.

The Longos Elementary School, located in Barangay Pangapisan, is the only school in Pangasinan that was included in the pilot program of the DepEd.

Aside from Bugayong, Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste and School Division assistant superintendent Rosario Cabrera were at the school to witness the first day of the limited face-to-face classes.

Bugayong said the 100 Islands Cowboy Christian Learning Center Inc., a private school, was also chosen for the pilot program, but would start classes on Nov. 22. – Eva Visperas