Some 156 schools in Soccsksargen (Region 12) are now implementing the pilot run of face-to-face (F2F) classes, the spokesperson of the Department of Education in Region 12 (DepEd-12) said in an interview on Monday.

More schools are expected to participate in the limited F2F classes in the next few weeks pending the application of in-person mode of lessons by other schools in the region, Antonio Maganto Jr., the Deped-12 spokesperson, said.

“As of now, we have that number but there is a probability that it would increase because of the application of schools from other areas and municipalities in the region that are now ready for the F2F classes,” Maganto added.

He identified the Esperanza National High School and the Tacurong City Pilot Elementary School, both in Sultan Kudarat province, as two of those that started to implement the F2F classes Monday.

Maganto stressed that although coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination is being considered for the pilot run of limited in-person classes, it remains a non-requirement, although many participants are vaccinated for safety reasons.

“DepEd is non-discriminatory, but we would like to ensure also the safety of the children and vaccination is already an applied science and there is proof of its efficacy,” Maganto said.

Almost 80 percent of the teachers in Soccsksargen are vaccinated, he said, adding that only those vaccinated may participate in the F2F classes.

“There are some (teachers) who are yet to get the shots. DepEd respects their view with regard to vaccination,” Maganto said.

Soccsksargen has eight DepEd divisions comprising an estimated 24,000 teachers and 7,000 non-teaching personnel, scattered in at least 1,700 elementary schools and 500 secondary schools in the region. (PNA)