Postponing face-to-face classes

Quiandra M. Sanchez

THE government has been very supportive to the Department of Education in its endeavor to offer alternatives to face-to-face learning despite the public health situation.

The DepEd has complied with the President’s directive to postpone face-to-face classes until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available. In view of this, the agency is assuring parents, learners, stakeholders, and the government that it is preparing this mission.

According to the DepEd, it is a challenging task to prepare schools nationwide in a different set-up, but it is committed to its duty to make education available and thriving, even in the most difficult time.

It is now fully engaged in readying their operations based on the Basic EducationLearning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), from the Central Office down to the school level. Right now, it has updated policies, realigned finances, and collaborated with its partners so that our goals of providing quality education and protecting the safety and health of our constituents will be achieved.

Meanwhile, the groundwork for blended learning is well underway. According to the DepEd, the blended approach is already a pre-existing method and has been used for decades. Radio, television, online and modular learning are now being prepared and updated for this year. At the same time, teachers are being trained on utilizing newer platforms and innovative tools to aid their professional development.

The DepEd is now working with the private sector and education experts to make these necessary steps logistically sound, especially on the development, acquisition, and deployment of learning resources.

With a comprehensive BE-LCP and the President’s instruction serving as the DepEd’s guide, the agency will continue preparations towards achieving the ultimate goal of making education a symbol of hope amidst the pandemic.

***

II at Mabalacat Community High School

The author is Administrative Assistant