DepEd launches coronavirus programs

THE Department of Education (DepEd) Central Luzon Regional Office 3 will launch today its “reconfigured” BrigadaEskwela (BE) and Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) projects via virtual program in preparation for the opening of classes in August. Carrying the theme “Bayanihansa Paaralan,” the projects will highlight the application of knowledge and convergence of efforts to address the required health standards and social issues at home, school and community in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“The new concept of BE shall focus on preparations and strengthening partnership engagement to ensure that learning continues even in the time of this health crisis,” DepEd Regional Director Nicolas Capulong said.

It will highlight partnership initiatives that complement efforts to ensure that quality basic education will continue despite challenges posed by the virus and to implement the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP).

Aside from those usually conducted in the past BE, school heads must coordinate with local government units, nongovernment organizations and volunteers to clean and disinfect school buildings, classrooms and other facilities of learning institutions.

They will also engage partners in ensuring the availability of thermal scanners; soap, alcohol and sanitizers; cleaning tools and disinfectants; face masks, face shields and surgical gloves; and multivitamins capsules, tabletso or syrups for DepEd personnel and learners.

Availability of Covid-19 sanitation and proper handwashing hygiene information materials, as well as materials and supplies for distance learning for the learners, teachers and parents such as bond paper, worksheets, notebooks, pad paper, ball pens, pencils, crayons and coloring materials must also be guaranteed.

“The cleaning, minor repairs, repainting, beautification, landscaping, electrical works and installations and other activities may still be done two weeks before the opening of classes in public schools on August 24, but only in areas allowed by the local risk classification and applicable quarantine guidelines by that time,” Capulong said.