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Intensify preps, planning for in-person classes: PBBM
FILE: FIRST DAY HIGH. Grade 1 pupils sit in chairs with desks installed with plastic barriers while attending class at the La Huerta Elementary School in Parañaque City on Monday (Dec. 6, 2021). Some 28 public schools in Metro Manila joined the pilot run of face-to-face classes in the region. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday instructed the Department of Education (DepEd) and other relevant agencies to come up with the necessary preparations and planning for the opening of face-to-face classes this year.
The order was designed to address issues that might arise relative to the return to school of millions of students around the country for the coming school year 2022-2023.
In a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang, Marcos asked Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte on plans by DepEd to address several challenges such as the availability of classrooms, teachers, and other concerns.
“Ang gawin na lang natin [ay] i-identify saan ‘yung areas na magbe-blended learning para maka-focus tayo. Ihanda ‘yung mga devices at mga kailangan nila na noong pandemic hindi nasu-supply- an sa mga bata,” Marcos said.
“We continue with blended learning pero in very specific places lamang. As much as possible, face-to-face na talaga,” the chief executive added.
This came after the issue on whether DepEd should do away with blended learning beyond Oct. 31 was raised during the meeting, considering the challenges that the department is facing.
Based on the recent DepEd order, blended learning shall no longer be implemented beyond Oct. 31, as the department adopts a policy seeking the full implementation of the five-day in-person classes.
Other issues mentioned by the President include internet connectivity and the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, which is driven by the emergence of new variants of the coronavirus.
He was concerned that those issues might affect the implementation of in-person learning, but was he was nevertheless determined to proceed with the plan.
During the same Cabinet meeting, the President directed concerned agencies to rebuild and repair school buildings destroyed by Typhoon Odette last year.
Marcos said the government will be forced to continue carrying out blended learning if major concerns are not addressed, suggesting, however, that the scheme could be done in some areas.
The education secretary told the President that DepEd will prepare a plan on what to do beyond Oct. 31.
Citing a recent survey, Duterte said majority of the respondents favored in-person classes for the country’s learners. (PND)
Judith Lovendino
July 20, 2022 at 1:30 PM
Pabor ako sa pagbabalik ng face to face classes as a parent myself, napag iiwanan na kasi tayo ng ibang bansa kung saan sila ay nagpapatuloy na normal na ang buhay, ngunit sang ayon din ako dito sa plano ni Marcos na kailangan alamin muna kung ano kailangan, anong kulang, kung kaya na ba magpatupad ng f2f class na ibang paaralan. Lalo ang mga pampublikong paaralan sa ating bansa ay kulang sa suporta na bigay ng Gobyerno. It’s about time na tutukan na ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon.
Irene Velozo
July 20, 2022 at 7:32 PM
I agree, there should be face-to-face learning in every school but it depends on the current status of the place where f2f will be implemented. They must consider safety protocols as is. And also not all the childred are fully vaccinated as of now, there are children with comorbidities and some parent won’t allow their children to get vaccinated. The fact that education is concerend I still wanted the old days in schooling which involve face-to-face interaction with teachers and classmates. Through that you will feel more that you are a student. Hope this matter will be solve soon.
Mark Christian Dizon
July 20, 2022 at 3:35 PM
Lot of factors are need to consider para maging maayos ang implementation ng face to face classes kaya dapat maging responsible ang bawat lahat upang sa ganun ay matuloy na ang inaasahang 100% face to face classes.