The start of the five-day face-to-face classes in Western Visayas (Region 6), particularly in public schools, went smoothly despite suspension in some areas badly hit by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

“We have not monitored any big events or untoward incidents in school. Health protocols are also being religiously followed by our school personnel,” said Department of Education Western Visayas regional information officer Hernani Escullar Jr., in an interview on Wednesday.

He said they are still waiting for an order from their central office amending their health protocol and adopting the executive order signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. which made the wearing of face masks optional in an indoor setting.

He added that except for the province of Antique which will resume classes on Nov. 7 as per Executive Order (EO) 234, they have no reports of the reported suspension in the other 20 schools’ divisions.

EO 234 issued by Governor Rhodora Cadiao on Nov. 1, suspended face-to-face classes at all levels effective Nov. 2.

Antique has 535 public and 69 private schools, and two local and state universities that offer basic education.

Escullar added that the DepEd Central Office, over the weekend, has mandated all regional directors to determine learning deliveries necessary for areas hard hit by Paeng.

As of Nov. 2, the DepEd regional office has monitored 424 schools being used as evacuation centers although the number could have gone down since some of the schools are already subjected to “de-encampment,” he said.

“The use of schools as evacuation center is legally allowed for a maximum of 15 days. There are schools that can implement the distance learning in the meantime as long as its is approved. All they have to do is to seek clearance,” he added.

The DepEd reported 45 destroyed classrooms, 312 classrooms with minor damage, and 73 classrooms needing major repairs. (PNA)