![balabag In Balabag Elementary School in Malay, Aklan, elementary pupils observe physical distancing in class. They also wear facemask.](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/balabag-696x522.jpg)
KALIBO, Aklan – Over 135,000 students in the province of Aklan trooped back to schools for face-to-face classes.
In-person classes in public and private schools resumed on Aug. 22, 2022 after over two years of distance and blended learning due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Aklan Schools Division superintendent Dr. Feliciano Buenafe Jr. said the opening of classes went smoothly.
“Nalipay gid kita sa pagbukas sang mga klase, madinalag-on gid,” he said.
On the first two days of classes, Aklan Division personnel with the Public Schools Supervisors monitored the activities and preparations done by schools including the safety guidelines and protocols in the reopening of classes in 19 school districts.
Vaccination status of teachers and learners, challenges and gaps, best practices, operation plan and learning resources were also validated to ensure that they were being observed by the schools for School Year 2022-2023.
Schools were also monitored in the conduct of psychosocial support activities in the classrooms using Psychosocial Support Activity Pack (PSAP): A Teacher’s Guide (All Grade Levels) developed by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Services.
Buenafe urged the students and teachers to keep practicing the health and safety protocols in schools for COVID-19.
Students should wear masks at all times inside the classrooms and public places./PN