Taguig gears up for possible shift to F2F learning

MANILA – The city of Taguig continues to prepare for a possible gradual shift to face-to-face classroom learning.

“We are preparing for the next school year’s blended learning. Our preparations include Taguig Flexible Learning Program (TFLEX) or gradual face-to-face classroom learning,” Dr. George Tizon, chief of the City Education Office, told reporters on the sidelines of the cyber-graduation held for 174 senior high school students of Senator Renato “Compañero” Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School (SRCCMSTHS) on Friday.

Tizon said this includes providing students with free school supplies along with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) kit packs and personal protective equipment (PPE).

“We are preparing a training package for our teachers and school administrators including parents. Our Learning Management System will be fully utilized,” Tizon said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has been pushing for the resumption of limited face-to-face classes in low risk areas.

However, President Rodrigo Duterte remains firm in rejecting the measure due to the emergence of more transmissible Covid-19 variants which may pose threat to learners’ health.

End-of-school-year rites were held virtually to recognize the students’ hard work in continuing their education amid the pandemic.

During the ceremony at the SRCCMSTHS, the 174 graduates, 103 girls, and 71 boys, all climbed the stage virtually with the help of four “Cyber Grad” which was also used in the graduation ceremonies of 179 senior high school students in May last year.

The SRCC “Cyber Grad” robots were designed and created by students during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last year. While Taguig Robo Nurse served as “Robo Prof” and helped in the distribution of diploma certificates and medals to the graduates in order to minimize physical presence on the stage.

While three “Dancing Robots” of Taguig who recently won an international award performed a graduation tribute for the school’s Batch 2020-2021.

Tizon said all schools in the city, both public and private, can avail of their robots so that graduation activities can be more meaningful and colorful.

This is also to aid them in getting an interest in robotics, he added.

Tizon also lauded Mayor Lino Cayetano and Taguig Representative Allan Peter Cayetano for their strong support of Taguig’s robotics programs for the past 10 years, adding that such assistance is very conducive in convincing their students in taking up the specialized field.

Materials used in Taguig City’s robots came from recycled materials and old parts used by the city in its international and world competitions.

All four robots were operated via remote control to receive the diploma in lieu of the graduate.

Toga-wearing robots received diplomas on behalf of the school’s graduates.

The pictures of the graduates were also projected on the heads of the robots and LED screens as their names were called to claim their diplomas.