Almost two years into the pandemic, five schools in Davao de Oro have reopened with a limited face-to-face (F2F) mode of learning, the provincial government said Tuesday.
In a statement, the provincial government said among the schools piloting the in-person classes are the Bariz Elementary School (Pagsabangan Extension), Maubog Elementary School – Parasan Integrated School (MES-PIS), Lower Panansalan Elementary School (Jacinto Extension), Maugat Elementary School, and Digaynon Elementary School (Manurigao Extension).
The schools were approved for reopening on Monday after authorities deemed there is little risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infection in these far-flung areas.
“The limited F2F class is complementary to the modular modality which is used since the outbreak of the virus. The five schools will still undergo alternate learning schedules for students and will follow the recommended health protocols set by DOH (Department of Health),” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the MES-PIS in Pantukan, Davao de Oro welcomed 78 learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3 who got to experience F2F classes after the pandemic halted all normal school activities last year and pushed learners to be home-schooled through modular learning.
The opening of classes at the MES–PIS was overseen by Department of Education (DepEd) Region 11 (Davao Region) Director Allan G. Farnazo, along with regional supervisors and personnel.
Farnazo led the ceremonial flag raising activity at the school and distributed gift packs to the learners.
The pupils also received tablets courtesy of the schools’ division office.
The MES-PIS is among the five schools in the province that was able to comply with the requirements set by DepEd and the DOH to conduct the regulated F2F classes, with 17 more schools from the division awaiting approval.
The DepEd national office has earlier approved the conduct of F2F classes in 120 schools nationwide as part of the easing up for Covid-19 restrictions in areas with minimal risk.
The participation of students in F2F classes was voluntary and had the signed consent from their parents. (PNA)
