EDUCATION: AGAINST ALL ODDS
~ T.R. Reid ~ Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province, and has since spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic. As of 26 April 2020, more than 2.91 million cases have been reported across 185 countries and territories, resulting in more than 203,000 deaths. More than 828,000 people have recovered. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_2019)
Historically speaking, during the “Dark Ages”, education sector was one of those severely affected industries, but it continued despite this catastrophe. One thing is for sure, education cannot be ceased. It must prevail against all odds.
In this unprecedented time, the Department of Education administered public surveys regarding the opening of classes, social distancing, and alternative learning approaches via Facebook and other social media forms. As part of government’s efforts in containing the spread of COVID-19 virus, the department enjoined its constituents to observe stringent quarantine measures, as well as other government’s interventions in this pandemic’s management. Consultation and the involvement of relevant stakeholders do matter to the education ministry towards policy-making and decisionmaking process. Hence the said surveys, which results influenced the department’s final decisions on the matters.
As per Section 3 (Start of the School Year) of Republic Act 7797 (AN ACT TO LENGTHEN THE SCHOOL CALENDAR FROM TWO HUNDRED (200) DAYS TO NOT MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED TWENTY (220) CLASS DAYS), the school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August. Meanwhile, the survey’s responses favor any day in August as the preferred opening of the school year for 2020-2021. Recently, the department issued DepEd Order No. 8 s. 2020: GUIDELINES ON ENROLLMENT FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021 IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID - 19. Inclusive of this are the following information:EnrolmentwillstartfromJune1-30remotely(ViaText/SMS,FBMessenger, Web Page, etc.); Third week of June is intended for face-to-face enrolment, if necessary, with LGUs’coordination; Previous Advisers of S.Y. 2019-2020 will facilitate the enrolment of the incoming grade level students with their School Forms 1,5, and 10 as references; Learner Enrolment and Survey Form will be used with the assistance of Enrolment Focal Persons (Non-advisers); Alternative Learning System (ALS) students will use an exclusive LESF; Enrolment Booth/Kiosk must be installed within the school or barangay. The department affirms greater emphasis on the health, safety and security of the administrators, teachers, students, and parents. With its multiple learning delivery modalities, such as distance learning, homeschooling, blended learning, modular or face-to-face under Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan, eventually, education must continue. As difficult as it may seem, one must perceive the glass half full, instead of half empty.
Secondary School Teacher III (T.L.E) at Mabalacat Community High School