BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Department of Education (DepEd) schools division in Negros Occidental believes that majority of students in the province want to return to full face-to-face classes (F2F).
According to Ian Arnold Arnaiz, DepEd-Negros Occidental public information officer, they are confident that F2F classes can be fully-implemented even before November, the month set by the national government for full in-person classes.
In the meantime, during the transition period from Aug. 22 to Oct. 31, schools in the province will be allowed to still observe blended learning.
Arnaiz is also expecting a more relaxed implementation of DepEd Order No.34, although coronavirus disease 2019 health safety protocols may still be observed.
He also believes that it will no longer be necessary to inspect every school in the province prior to the full implementation of F2F classes.
Each school is being required to have School Safety Assessment Tools as part of the requirements for F2F classes.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revealed the government’s plan to resume full capacity in-person learning by November.
As of July 12, 252 of the 581 public elementary schools and 10 of the 117 private schools under the supervision of DepEd-Negros Occidental Division are ready for in-person learning.
Marsette Sabbaluca, Schools Division Superintendent of Negros Occidental, also identified the towns of E.B. Magalona, Don Salvador Benedicto, Pontevedra, Toboso and Valladolid as ready for the resumption of full F2F classes./PN
