LGUs given until June to use schools as BICs

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd)-7 has given local government units (LGU) until June 15 to use the schools as its Barangay Isolation Center (BIC).

The case of Cebu City, however, might be extended depending on when it shifts to general community quarantine(GCQ).

DepEd Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said he has already spoken with both Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo about the matter.

Jimenez said he is happy that Garcia understood their side and the governor has reportedly assured DepEd that she will discuss this with the LGUs under her jurisdiction.

Degamo, for his part, has also asked for an extension for the use of the schools to be the same as that with Cebu Province.

Jimenez is also hoping Cebu City, which is separate from Cebu Province being a highly urbanized area, will also do the same as they also need to make sure that the schools are safe for use when the classes start on August 24.

“Kung mahimo, apil gyud except in worse case scenario nga di pa ma-lifted ang ECQ sa Cebu City.  Might be, we will allow extension. But if ma-lower na, ato jud na i-impose na deadline kay ang mga schools kay pang gamiton na,” said Jimenez.

More than 10 schools in Cebu City were used as BIC for asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.

Some schools, though have also been used as repacking area of relief goods, among other purposes in this crisis.

“Lisod man sad kung ato pung i-allow nga anytime lang kay what will happen to our educational system? That facility is intended for education, not intended for other purpose.  In fact in the DILG circular, it is stipulated there that schools shall be used only as a quarantine facility as the last resort,” said Gimenez.

“Pila pa ka days na ma-clear siya, ma okay na. One of my requirements is clearance from DOH that the school is ready for the occupancy of our teachers and learners. We would not compromise the safety and security of our learners and teachers,” said Gimenez.

Transferred

Meanwhile, the two asymptomatic COVID-19 patients of Barangay San Nicolas have been transferred finally to its own isolation center, while another patient from Tejero is asking help to be included in the transfer yesterday.

The two patients have been isolated at the Mambaling Elementary School for nine days and would only need five more days to complete the required 14-day quarantine period before they shall be re-tested.

The transfer to Gothong got stalled due to the delay of the installation of the water tank and a restroom to be used by the patients at the BIC.

After learning about the transfer of the two patients, a former resident of San Nicolas proper who is also currently in isolation in Tejero has also asked San Nicolas Barangay Captain Clifford Jude Niñal for help to be transferred, saying Tejero's current BIC is crowded.

San Nicolas Proper only has three patients, but the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD)'s record indicated five.

Niñal said the other patient is from Pahina, not from San Nicolas proper, while the fifth one is still for verification as the CCHD have not yet coordinated with the barangay before posting an update.  GAN (FREEMAN)