Despite the calls from the different teachers groups for a postponement, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Thursday that the coming school year will still pursue on August 24.
Photo credit: pna.gov.ph
Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo said that the decision to start classes on August 24 had already been decided for a long time and was not made solely by the department but also in consultation with President Rodrigo Duterte and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Teachers groups like Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Teachers' Dignity Coalition have asked government to move the school opening date, arguing that schools were not yet ready to implement the various alternative learning modes to in-person classes. Raising problems such as self-learning modules have not been shared to some schools or have yet to be printed, and that the DepEd has yet to set up health protocols to prevent education workers from getting COVID-19, among other reasons.
However, Mateo said the DepEd's learning continuity plan was developed to cope with the changes brought by coronavirus pandemic. Also, he added that teachers can depend on PhilHealth in case they get sick.
The Department of Education is in the process of acquiring more gadgets for public school teachers. It is also set to hold a dry run of its distance learning plans on Aug. 10, which would be streamed on its Facebook page, and shown on PTV-4 and IBC-13.
DepEd offers different modalities on how lessons to be delivered, it can be via modules, online classes, television or radio. Also, DepEd has given regional and division offices, and schools the latitude to decide which learning modality would be suit their students.
The Department faces a number of security factors in these times of uncertainty, including the need to address the fear among students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders brought by Covid-19 pandemic. How to strengthen coordination and cooperation at national and local levels, and how to mobilize partnerships and its broad constituency for support.
To address the concerns the DepEd Task Force COVID-19 for quick monitoring and response as well as the reconfigured Oplan Balik Eskwela and Brigada Eswkela have been initiated.
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The Learning Continuity Plan is not a perfect plan, and operational complications can be expected along the way. The department seek the understanding, support, and unity of the DepEd community. Also, the help of parents, local government unit and everyone to aid the students.
DepEd says school reopening to proceed on Aug. 24 despite calls for postponement
Reviewed by Issues PH
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August 07, 2020
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Reviewed by Issues PH
on
August 07, 2020
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As a public school teacher, we can't do otherwise if Deped will push through the opening of classes though it's not yet ready.
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