DepEd, DOH bare plans on how to try in-person classes as pandemic continues | ABS-CBN
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DepEd, DOH bare plans on how to try in-person classes as pandemic continues
DepEd, DOH bare plans on how to try in-person classes as pandemic continues
Jaehwa Bernardo,
ABS-CBN News
Published Sep 27, 2021 05:30 PM PHT
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Updated Sep 27, 2021 06:01 PM PHT
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MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH) on Monday assured the public that mechanisms are in place to ensure the safety of students and school personnel that would join the pilot test of limited in-person classes.
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH) on Monday assured the public that mechanisms are in place to ensure the safety of students and school personnel that would join the pilot test of limited in-person classes.
"Our utmost priority is the health and safety of our learners and teachers while ensuring that learning happens and learning gaps are addressed," Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a joint statement issued by the two departments.
"Our utmost priority is the health and safety of our learners and teachers while ensuring that learning happens and learning gaps are addressed," Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a joint statement issued by the two departments.
On the same day, Briones and Health Secretary Francisco Duque signed a joint memorandum circular detailing the guidelines for the pilot implementation, which would take place in schools from areas deemed low-risk to COVID-19.
On the same day, Briones and Health Secretary Francisco Duque signed a joint memorandum circular detailing the guidelines for the pilot implementation, which would take place in schools from areas deemed low-risk to COVID-19.
Briones, during the virtual program for the circular's signing, said it took the government a year and half to plan and debate the conduct of limited in-person classes.
Briones, during the virtual program for the circular's signing, said it took the government a year and half to plan and debate the conduct of limited in-person classes.
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"Now that we are in the middle of our most aggressive campaign for the vaccination of our teachers and the rest of our citizens, it is now fairly safe for us to start the pilot study," Briones said.
"Now that we are in the middle of our most aggressive campaign for the vaccination of our teachers and the rest of our citizens, it is now fairly safe for us to start the pilot study," Briones said.
The DepEd was supposed to hold the pilot implementation earlier this year but President Duterte cancelled this over fears of more contagious COVID-19 variants and because the country had yet to roll out its vaccination program.
The DepEd was supposed to hold the pilot implementation earlier this year but President Duterte cancelled this over fears of more contagious COVID-19 variants and because the country had yet to roll out its vaccination program.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Based on the key guidelines for the pilot implementation, 95 public elementary schools, 5 senior high schools (SHS) and 20 private schools will take part in the program.
Based on the key guidelines for the pilot implementation, 95 public elementary schools, 5 senior high schools (SHS) and 20 private schools will take part in the program.
Before participating in the pilot test, the schools must secure support from the local government unit (LGU) "in the form of a resolution or letter of support" and "written consent form" from parents of participating students.
Before participating in the pilot test, the schools must secure support from the local government unit (LGU) "in the form of a resolution or letter of support" and "written consent form" from parents of participating students.
The DepEd and DOH are still in the process of reevaluating 638 public schools nominated by the DepEd's regional directors, which would be trimmed down to a 100 for the pilot test.
The DepEd and DOH are still in the process of reevaluating 638 public schools nominated by the DepEd's regional directors, which would be trimmed down to a 100 for the pilot test.
The education agency is also in the process of identifying participating private schools by having its regional offices nominate 1 private school in their jurisdiction, based on the guidelines presented by DepEd Director for Planning Service Roger Masapol.
The education agency is also in the process of identifying participating private schools by having its regional offices nominate 1 private school in their jurisdiction, based on the guidelines presented by DepEd Director for Planning Service Roger Masapol.
STUDENTS, SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Under the guidelines, only students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 learners and SHS will participate in the dry run.
Under the guidelines, only students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 learners and SHS will participate in the dry run.
Education officials earlier explained that those in the early grades found it difficult to learn by themselves, thus their inclusion in the pilot study.
Education officials earlier explained that those in the early grades found it difficult to learn by themselves, thus their inclusion in the pilot study.
Pediatricians and health experts also noted that children only experience mild COVID-19 symptoms and rarely get hospitalized when they contract the illness.
Pediatricians and health experts also noted that children only experience mild COVID-19 symptoms and rarely get hospitalized when they contract the illness.
Participating SHS students are those who are required to attend "workshops and laboratories," according to the key guidelines.
Participating SHS students are those who are required to attend "workshops and laboratories," according to the key guidelines.
It is preferred that participating learners live near the school to avoid taking public transportation.
It is preferred that participating learners live near the school to avoid taking public transportation.
Participating learners must not have comorbidities and will be "prioritized based on the greatest need" for in-person instruction, according to the guidelines.
Participating learners must not have comorbidities and will be "prioritized based on the greatest need" for in-person instruction, according to the guidelines.
The schools must also coordinate with their respective LGUs or private pediatricians to complete students' "routine infant vaccines."
The schools must also coordinate with their respective LGUs or private pediatricians to complete students' "routine infant vaccines."
Meanwhile, participating school personnel, aged 65 and below, must not have comorbidities and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, participating school personnel, aged 65 and below, must not have comorbidities and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
CLASS SIZE, CLASSROOM SETTING
The guidelines also stated that class sizes would be reduced from the usual:
- A maximum of 12 learners for kindergarten
- A maximum of 16 learners for Grades 1 to 3
- A maximum of 20 learners for SHS in a classroom
- A maximum of 12 learners for SHS in a technical-vocational-livelihood workshop/science laboratory
The guidelines also stated that class sizes would be reduced from the usual:
- A maximum of 12 learners for kindergarten
- A maximum of 16 learners for Grades 1 to 3
- A maximum of 20 learners for SHS in a classroom
- A maximum of 12 learners for SHS in a technical-vocational-livelihood workshop/science laboratory
Students can only spend a maximum of 4.5 hours in schools, except for kindergarten learners who are only allowed up to 3 hours.
Students can only spend a maximum of 4.5 hours in schools, except for kindergarten learners who are only allowed up to 3 hours.
The face-to-face classes will complement distance learning modalities, with classroom sessions set to be held every other week.
The face-to-face classes will complement distance learning modalities, with classroom sessions set to be held every other week.
Group work involving close contact and large gatherings will not be allowed, based on the guidelines.
Group work involving close contact and large gatherings will not be allowed, based on the guidelines.
Classrooms have also been redesigned to ensure that physical distancing will be followed while schools will also put up visual cues in implementing health protocols.
Classrooms have also been redesigned to ensure that physical distancing will be followed while schools will also put up visual cues in implementing health protocols.
Participating schools must also set up proper sanitation and hygiene facilities, and provide face masks to learners and school personnel.
Participating schools must also set up proper sanitation and hygiene facilities, and provide face masks to learners and school personnel.
Schools must ensure proper ventilation of classrooms, and conduct temperature checks before entering campuses and daily rapid health checks.
Schools must ensure proper ventilation of classrooms, and conduct temperature checks before entering campuses and daily rapid health checks.
The schools must also set up clinics in case of health emergencies.
The schools must also set up clinics in case of health emergencies.
COVID-19 TESTING
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said it was not recommended for participating students and school personnel to undergo regular COVID-19 testing.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said it was not recommended for participating students and school personnel to undergo regular COVID-19 testing.
"What we're going to do would be to [test] based on the risk-based protocols of the Department of Health," Vergeire said.
"What we're going to do would be to [test] based on the risk-based protocols of the Department of Health," Vergeire said.
"Whenever there would be those children or even teachers and non-teaching personnel having symptoms, that's the time that we'll do isolation and we'll do testing."
"Whenever there would be those children or even teachers and non-teaching personnel having symptoms, that's the time that we'll do isolation and we'll do testing."
Vergeire added that the DOH and DepEd are crafting separate guidelines for contingency plans in case a student of school personnel tests positive for COVID-19.
Vergeire added that the DOH and DepEd are crafting separate guidelines for contingency plans in case a student of school personnel tests positive for COVID-19.
Participating schools are also tasked to set up a "COVID-19 local hotline or help desk" to coordinate with LGUs and hospitals.
Participating schools are also tasked to set up a "COVID-19 local hotline or help desk" to coordinate with LGUs and hospitals.
The DepEd has yet to say when it will release the final list of participating schools or when the classroom sessions will start.
The DepEd has yet to say when it will release the final list of participating schools or when the classroom sessions will start.
Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said there would also be a "period of orientation" once the participating schools are identified.
Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said there would also be a "period of orientation" once the participating schools are identified.
The DepEd has also reserved a budget for schools that will participate in the pilot study, said Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla.
The DepEd has also reserved a budget for schools that will participate in the pilot study, said Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla.
The pilot study will run for 2 months, after which the government will assess if more schools can hold limited in-person classes.
The pilot study will run for 2 months, after which the government will assess if more schools can hold limited in-person classes.
Philippine schools have been closed since March 2020 due to the threat of COVID-19.
Philippine schools have been closed since March 2020 due to the threat of COVID-19.
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Department of Education
Department of Health
education
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face-to-face classes pilot test
face-to-face classes guidelines
School Year 2021-2022
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‘Unfulfilled deals’ may be behind Duterte’s tirades vs Marcos: political analyst
‘Unfulfilled deals’ may be behind Duterte’s tirades vs Marcos: political analyst
Joyce Balancio,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jan 29, 2024 09:14 PM PHT
|
Updated Jan 29, 2024 11:09 PM PHT
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MANILA (UPDATED) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might not be keeping his “end of the bargain” with the Duterte family, that is why he is receiving attacks from some members of the family, a political analyst said Monday.
Prof. Dennis Coronacion from the University of Santo Tomas Department of Political Science said the Marcoses might have sealed some deals with the Dutertes when they were convincing then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to be his running mate during the 2022 national elections.
MANILA (UPDATED) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might not be keeping his “end of the bargain” with the Duterte family, that is why he is receiving attacks from some members of the family, a political analyst said Monday.
Prof. Dennis Coronacion from the University of Santo Tomas Department of Political Science said the Marcoses might have sealed some deals with the Dutertes when they were convincing then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to be his running mate during the 2022 national elections.
“Ang mga political alliances po natin, or even political parties and coalitions, they are made up of elites. And when these elites form political parties or alliance, there is definitely political arrangements or negotiations that go along with it,” Coronacion told ABS-CBN News.
“Itong rally sa Davao nitong Sunday isa ito sa paraan ng Duterte family to remind the President of, you know, what took place during the negotiations during the last presidential election," he said.
“Ang mga political alliances po natin, or even political parties and coalitions, they are made up of elites. And when these elites form political parties or alliance, there is definitely political arrangements or negotiations that go along with it,” Coronacion told ABS-CBN News.
“Itong rally sa Davao nitong Sunday isa ito sa paraan ng Duterte family to remind the President of, you know, what took place during the negotiations during the last presidential election," he said.
He said the Davao City rally may have been meant to send a "strong message" that failing to honor previous agreements or further marginalizing Vice President Sara Duterte could lead to bigger problems.
He said the Davao City rally may have been meant to send a "strong message" that failing to honor previous agreements or further marginalizing Vice President Sara Duterte could lead to bigger problems.
CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS
Coronacion explained that is possible that the Duterte family did not take it lightly when Congress removed the confidential funds of the two offices of Vice President Sara Duterte for the 2024.
Speculations that a team from the International Criminal Court had already entered the country to investigate former President Duterte’s drug war, may also have agitated the Dutertes and their supporters.
Marcos Jr.’s shooting back at the older Duterte might also be a sign that the UniTeam is “crumbling”.
“Mukhang lumalabas na napikon na rin ang Pangulo sa mga paratang sa kanya. lalo na doon sa pagkasama sa kanyang pangalan sa watchlist ng mga suspects tungkol sa illegal drugs,” he said.
Coronacion explained that is possible that the Duterte family did not take it lightly when Congress removed the confidential funds of the two offices of Vice President Sara Duterte for the 2024.
Speculations that a team from the International Criminal Court had already entered the country to investigate former President Duterte’s drug war, may also have agitated the Dutertes and their supporters.
Marcos Jr.’s shooting back at the older Duterte might also be a sign that the UniTeam is “crumbling”.
“Mukhang lumalabas na napikon na rin ang Pangulo sa mga paratang sa kanya. lalo na doon sa pagkasama sa kanyang pangalan sa watchlist ng mga suspects tungkol sa illegal drugs,” he said.
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“At this point parang hindi maganda ang patutunguhan kung ibabasa natin doon sa reaskyon ng pangulo. Hindi ito magandang sign para sa pagsasamahan nila,” he added.
“At this point parang hindi maganda ang patutunguhan kung ibabasa natin doon sa reaskyon ng pangulo. Hindi ito magandang sign para sa pagsasamahan nila,” he added.
'PEOPLE TO BEAR BRUNT OF FEUD'
Further he said, if the situation worsens, Vice President Duterte’s function as the concurrent education secretary will be affected.
“Iyong mapapamalakad halimbawa ni Vice President Sara Duterte sa DepEd, somehow baka maapektuhan iyon. For example, patuloy na gigipitin ang budget ng DepEd o di kaya ang opisina ng Vice President so kapag ganito na masama na ang takbo ng kanilang relasyon,” he explained.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also expressed concern the passage of laws that will provide additional benefits and salary to teachers might also be compromised given the rift between the leaders of the House of Representatives and VP Duterte who is also the concurrent Education Secretary.
“Walang pakinabang dito ang mamamayang Pilipino. Iyong usapin ng sahod ngayon nakasalang lalo na usapin ng GAA 2024 at ng usapin ng salary standardization law so technically pwede makaapekto iyan,” ACT National Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said.
A youth group also lamented how the political bickering affects governance, and the giving of service to the Filipino people.
'PEOPLE TO BEAR BRUNT OF FEUD'
Further he said, if the situation worsens, Vice President Duterte’s function as the concurrent education secretary will be affected.
“Iyong mapapamalakad halimbawa ni Vice President Sara Duterte sa DepEd, somehow baka maapektuhan iyon. For example, patuloy na gigipitin ang budget ng DepEd o di kaya ang opisina ng Vice President so kapag ganito na masama na ang takbo ng kanilang relasyon,” he explained.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also expressed concern the passage of laws that will provide additional benefits and salary to teachers might also be compromised given the rift between the leaders of the House of Representatives and VP Duterte who is also the concurrent Education Secretary.
“Walang pakinabang dito ang mamamayang Pilipino. Iyong usapin ng sahod ngayon nakasalang lalo na usapin ng GAA 2024 at ng usapin ng salary standardization law so technically pwede makaapekto iyan,” ACT National Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said.
A youth group also lamented how the political bickering affects governance, and the giving of service to the Filipino people.
“Nagagalit po kami dahil habang nanatiling mataas ng presyo ng bilhin, habang maliliit ang sahod ng mga manggagawa at may kinakaharap tayong krisis sa transportasyon bardagulan ang inaatupag ni Duterte at ng Marcos at basically ginagawa nila ito dahil sa pagaagawan sa kapangyarihan,” Kate Almenzo, Anakbayan’s National Spokesperson said.
“Ang talo dito sa bardagulan ng mga Marcos at Duterte ay ang mga mamamayan,” she added.
“Nagagalit po kami dahil habang nanatiling mataas ng presyo ng bilhin, habang maliliit ang sahod ng mga manggagawa at may kinakaharap tayong krisis sa transportasyon bardagulan ang inaatupag ni Duterte at ng Marcos at basically ginagawa nila ito dahil sa pagaagawan sa kapangyarihan,” Kate Almenzo, Anakbayan’s National Spokesperson said.
“Ang talo dito sa bardagulan ng mga Marcos at Duterte ay ang mga mamamayan,” she added.
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