DepEd is ready for 'face-to-face' learning if approved by Pres. Duterte - Briones

If President Duterte allows limited face-to-face classes on select areas, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that they are ready to “strictly implement” precautionary measures with required health standards.

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Briones said that if it pushes through, DepEd is prepared to implement a strict precautionary measure and required health standards in accordance with the DOH Guidelines on the Risk-Based Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation.

Briones noted that the DepEd currently follows four COVID-19 mitigation objectives: to increase physical and mental resilience, reduce transmission, reduce contact, and reduce the duration of infection.

Face-to-face classes may be feasible in very low risk areas such as the geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict affected areas (GIDCA) with no history of infection and with easily monitored external contacts.

“If greenlighted by the President, any face-to-face learning delivery must have proper risk assessment and must adhere to the health protocols in place,” DepEd said. “In addition, potential learning spaces in the community near the school may be explored to add spaces for the conduct of classes with the appropriate physical distancing,” it added.

Briones added that these schools must also follow programs promoting good hygiene and mental health resiliency and comply with the Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WINS) Program. 

“In addition, designated isolation areas, aligned with the standards set by DOH, for school and offices must be set-up while students, teachers, and personnel who will be entering the school/office premises must use protective masks,” DepEd said. “Regular disinfection of schools and offices will also be conducted,” it added.

At the moment, however, DepEd said that it is “still aligning with the President’s pronouncement of not allowing physical classes” for School Year (SY) 2020-2021.

The DepEd preparation for SY 2020-2021 is consistent with what President Duterte's decision and instructions.

Briones added that DepEd’s field units have been developing materials for modular, online, and TV- and radio-based instructions while teachers and parents are being trained for the so-called new normal in education.