All schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique are to strictly observe the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health protocol as they hold their Christmas parties this week.
Antique Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Adonis Mosquera, in an interview on Monday, said schools have to follow the guidelines set by the regional office of DepEd.
“School heads are being empowered, based on their judgment, on how to implement the strict Covid-19 health protocol,” Mosquera said, referring to DepEd Order No. 52 and Memorandum 929 issued by the regional office.
Mosquera was particularly referring to a prohibition in the order that parents must have to sign a consent first, agreeing that they allow their children to attend the party due to the threat of the coronavirus disease.
“Learners have to secure their parents’ consent if they would like to join the party,” the official said, adding that they have printed forms that learners could secure for their parents to sign.
He also reminded administrators and teachers to allow their students to join the school Christmas party even if they have no monetary contribution or gifts to be exchanged with their classmates.
“Learners are not excluded to join in their Christmas party by the absence of contribution,” Mosquera said.
He added it is up to the school heads to decide whether to require the use of face masks depending on the ventilation of the venue where they are going to hold their Christmas parties.
Most of the schools will begin their Christmas break this week and are expected to resume classes on January 4, 2023.
In a separate interview, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Antique provincial office has reminded school heads to ensure that Christmas lights and other electrical connections inside the school premises are switched off before taking the break.
“DepEd personnel and learners are reminded to put off all electrical connections to prevent overloading considering that they will be away for their vacation,” said BFP Antique Provincial Fire Director Supt. Patricio Collado. (PNA)
