Davao OKs in-person classes in all levels

DAVAO CITY , Philippines — The city government here has given the go-signal for the resumption of face-to-face classes in all levels in private and public schools.

In an executive order issued on Wednesday, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the city government  ”poses no objection to all applications for face-to-face classes  in all private and public schools in the city catering to kindergarten to post-graduate studies.”

Carpio said there is a need ”to bolster” reopening of schools to ensure continuity of academic instruction as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline.

The EO noted that 85.93 percent of the eligible population in the city have received their first dose, 84 percent have been fully vaccinated while 16.34 percent got their booster shots as of Feb. 28.

However, the EO stressed the need for the strict implementation of minimum public health standards and other guidelines that may be issued by the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education and other concerned government agencies.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, Davao City task force on COVID-19 spokesperson, called on residents not to be complacent.

”Data shows that the most effective way to protect ourselves is still wearing of face masks and social distancing,” she said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has placed Davao City under the most lenient Alert Level 1 until March 15.

The IATF allows face-to-face classes in areas under Alert Level 1, except for primary education, which is subject to the approval of the Office of the President.

More than 4,000 schools reopen

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said more than 4,000 schools have resumed face-to-face classes and more are expected to participate now that most parts of the country are under Alert Level 1.

Briones lauded the regional offices of DepEd for the success of the resumption of in-person classes. She said regional offices were given the authority to solve specific problems in their jurisdiction to be more responsive to the needs of learners.

”Isang malaking contribution yan, the strengthening of the regional units, becase we have to decentralize... The superintendents are empowered. That is our policy and I think it’s a major contribution of the department that we have developed very strong regional units,” she said. –  Romina Cabrera