GOVPH

RD Cabral Meets DepEd Quezon Schools Nominated for Possible Limited Face-toFace Classes

 Considering the possibility of resumption of limited face-to-face (F2F) instruction, with the prior approval of the national government, DepEd CALABARZON Regional Director Wilfredo E. Cabral gathered select DepEd Quezon schools from low-risk areas to discuss about the blueprint of his plans, March 9, 2021.

“Limited face-to-face may be considered when situation improves. This may be implemented bit by bit in areas considered low risks,” Cabral discussed. He informed the Division and concerned school heads on the pertinent documents needed to be prepared as part of the stringent requirements for the pilot run of the proposed safe return to school once the Office of the President gives the green light.

Based on the initial verifications made by DepEd Quezon, 13 schools were identified to be eligible to implement the “possibility”. They include Lumutan Elementary School (ES), Lagmak ES, and Dinigman ES in General Nakar; Patnanungan Norte Learning Center (ALS), and Katakian ES in Patnanungan Island; Burdeos Central School (CS) in Burdeos Island; Binagbag ES in Agdangan; Kinagunan ES in Padre Burgos; San Andres CS in San Andres; Pablo D. Maningas National High School (NHS) and Pedro Cabangon ES in Quezon Island; Jomalig NHS in Jomalig Island; and Tamulaya ES in Polillo Island.

Said schools were chosen based on the following criteria: 1) Schools are under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) and classified as low-risk areas where no COVID-19 case has been documented; 2) The Local Government Unit, including the barangay local government, has expressed its approval and issued Municipal Resolutions for this matter; 3) There is a permanent school head and all teachers reside in the same municipality where the school is located; 4) Devised an action plan on health and safety standards for the safe return of learners; 5) The Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) has strongly expressed its willingness to open the schools; 6) Classrooms are already physically redesigned to ensure safety of learners from COVID-19 transmission and handwashing facility is available; 7) The school has established safe entrance, exit, and contact tracing procedures for all school comers (learners, teachers, parents/guardians, school personnel, etc.) and devised daily health monitoring; 8) The school has coordinated with the Barangay Officials for the provision of Safety Officers and Barangay Health Workers; 9) The District Nurse is temporarily assigned in the school to monitor adherence to health protocols; and 10) Learners have access to transportation and a majority of them reside near the school.

OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Elias A. Alicaya Jr., EdD already initiated discussions with the Provincial Government of Quezon Province and later with the LGUs of schools involved in the possible limited F2F delivery of instruction. While plans are being slated down and actions are done incrementally, the health and safety of learners and the entire school community remain the utmost priority.