The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) is to decide whether to agree to the upholding of limited face-to-face classes in some areas in Cebu Province, which was requested by the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Visayas on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020.
Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd 7 Director, says the department is targeting low-risk islands and barangays with zero cases of COVID-19, given that the relatively smaller population made it easier to enforce health protocols set by the IATF.
"We will implement it gradually in our region. Possibly we’ll start in the hinterland schools and island schools." Jimenez stated.
"Gamay ra ug mga bata, so we can easily implement the protocol set by the Department of Health and the IATF." He added.
According to the said proposal, there will be a two-day class week in public schools, allowing only 50 percent of the student population to attend per session.
Two days will be spent on the face-to-face classes, while the remaining days of the week can be spent on answering modules or on attending online classes.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia supports the department's decision and is willing to release funds to ensure that all students can attend the classes after complaints from parents and teachers about the ineffectiveness of distance learning stormed the office.
Jimenez said the DepEd is already conducting mass testing of DepEd employees in compliance with their agreement with the Department of Health (DOH) Region 7.
Words by Jefrey Butal Layout by Lindy Lyne Aviles Photo credits: Manila Bulletin
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