DepEd probes presence of students in Cebu tourism event

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Central Visayas will conduct its own investigation on the November 27, 2020 tourism activity in Madridejos town, Bantayan Island, after learning that students in school uniforms were told to go out of their houses to greet participants of the three day event.

We will check because it was clear they went there. We want to know the reason,

Salustiano Jimenez, the DepEd regional director said.

He said that DepEd would determine the appropriate sanctions for any school official proven to be responsible for bringing students to the event. Also, he did not receive any request to allow students to go out and attend the event.

[The] DepEd will see what we can do if teachers or principals will be proven to be behind this incident. We shall also determine the gravity of the situation so we can assess what will be the sanctions, if any,

he said.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who initiated the mini Suroy-Suroy said she was willing to be questioned regarding the activity.

Jimenez advised all schools in Central Visayas to follow the government’s health protocols and seek permission from DepEd officials before holding any school-related outdoor activities.

Considering [that] we’re under MGCQ (modified general community quarantine), they should really ask permission because there are policies,

he said.

The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo was organized by the provincial government to revive the local economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was attended by several notable figures, including Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. The event drew flak from netizens when social distancing protocols were not strictly implemented, photos and videos of which went viral online.