ILOILO City – Noting that some colleges and universities are resuming face-to-face classes, the city government plans to offer free reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab test to students.
“Ang estudyante kon pabayron mo maluoy ka man. Daku sa ila nga huol kon ibanan pa ila allowance. Any school nga gapangayo diri ila kabataan, tagaan ta libre nga RT-PCR test,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The city mayor reiterated his stand that in-person classes must resume already.
“I think it is about time that we go back to what we’re used to as education has been very affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. I pity the students, especially children. Their social skills are greatly affected,” he said.
Schools that seek free RT-PCR for their students must submit to the City Mayor’s Office a letter request and attach to the letter the names of students.
It is strongly advised that a duly appointed representative from the school coordinate with the Uswag Molecular Laboratory for the schedule and releasing of results, said Treñas.
Meanwhile, a limited face-to-face arrangement is being planned for public and private elementary and secondary schools possibly once or twice a week.
According to Special Assistant to the Mayor Maria Mathilde Treñas, blended learning with modules and online classes will be the new normal.
“All schools are preparing for readiness assessment and validation. The school year is about to end. It is best to be ready for the next school year,” she said./PN