Cebu Province may resume face-to-face classes in remote areas

The Department of Education (DepEd) 7 has recommended carrying out limited face-to-face classes in public schools in remote areas and in island barangays in Cebu Province.

During the regular session of the Provincial Board (PB) on Monday, Nov.9, DepEd 7 director Dr. Salustriano Jimenez made the recommendation. He clarified that he is in favor in the resumption of face-to-face classes in remote areas as long as there are few enrolled public students.

Also, Provincial Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco plans to file a resolution on Monday, Nov. 16, in support of the school official’s proposal.

The Provincial Board received about 160 resolutions issued by Parents and Teachers Associations (PTAs) of different public schools that called on the resumption of face-to-face classes in Central Visayas. Jimenez supports the resolution and said that it must be done gradually.

It will be a gradual implementation. So, we’ll start from the hinterlands and island schools because the student population in those areas are really limited and we can easily implement health and safety protocols, such as observing strict physical distancing,

Jimenez said in Cebuano.

He also suggested a two-day class week and only will allow 50% of their student population to attend per session. Another two days will be spent for physical classes and the remaining of the week can be allotted to modules, online and radio-based learning.

Jimenez said they have already submitted their proposal to the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) and is set to be tackled by the national IATF in a month.

Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Cebu chapter also support DepEd 7’s plan.