No Central Visayas schools included in additional face-to-face classes

CEBU, Philippines — None of the 430 Central Visayas schools initially drafted for the limited face-to-face classes starting on Monday, December 6, 2021, were included in the 177 schools nationwide that the Department of Education (DepEd) has granted permission to proceed.

DepEd-7 regional director Salustiano Jimenez said the 430 public schools and 10 private schools they initially endorsed for inclusion in the pilot in-person classes on Monday will be considered for the next batch in January 2022.

“Actually naa unta tay iapil but we decided we will just join in the expansion karong January,” Jeminez said.

He said they have already submitted documents for the inclusion of these schools in the expanded limited face-to-face classes starting January next year.

“Mao na lang na ron ang among gipangandaman… ang tanang mga requirements and documents, so wala na lang mi mopuno sa additional nga pilot kay hapit naman sad siya mahuman ang tuig, ang amo na lang gipangandan, amo gi-focus ang atong preparation for the expansion karong January kay daghan man sad gud ni apply, so we need to validate all of these hundreds of schools,“ Jimenez said.

Jimenez said they have instructed all the schools that applied for the face-to-face classes to make sure all the requirements are complied with such as the concurrence of the local government units (LGUs)-- from the city and municipal mayors down to the barangay captains.

All teachers are also required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Parents’ consent is also required before a school will be given the green light to hold in-person classes.

“Kinahanglan sigurohon nga naa ba tay essentials like face masks, alcohol. Ang classrooms conducive ba for learning and naa bay one entrance and exit aron masiguro nga dili pud mag huot ang mga bata,” Jimenez said.

DepEd announced yesterday that 177 schools nationwide have been allowed to start the limited face-to-face classes on Monday.  At present, eight public schools and two private schools in Central Visayas have started the pilot in-person classes last November.

These schools are being monitored by the DepEd for any possible problem arising from the COVID-19 infection.

So far, none of the schools included in the pilot test has reported any problem since their start of the face-to-face classes.

“So far we are already in our third week (of classes). No issue nga angay natong sulbaron kay ang atong pagpahigayon og face-to-face classes smooth man ug orderly. Everyday ga monitor mi ani nga mga schools,” Jimenez said. — FPL (FREEMAN)