Ensuring strict observance of health protocols

Carolina G. Balastigue

WITH the opening of classes a mere month away, the Department of Education has been urged to exert enough effort to minimize the exposure of teachers to the dreaded virus.

While face-to-face learning will not be implemented his school year, which starts on August 24, the DepEd should till ensure the strict observance of health protocols among its teachers and educators.

This pandemic is very serious and should not be taken lightly, even if the default arrangement of DepEd for personnel and educators is a work-from-home set-up.

There have been reports of teachers and principals still going to their respective schools, and their being away from home has sparked fear among their fellows in the teaching community.

Earlier, the DepEd Central Office clarified the work from home (WFH) set-up as the “default scheme which will be used especially for teachers whose main task is to facilitate classroom learning, even in areas considered as low-risk” and that the “physical or on-site reporting is non-mandatory and shall be done in consultation with the personnel involved.”

DepEd also clarified that “only personnel with tasks or functions that cannot be rendered remotely or those in exceptional cases can be considered for physical reporting” and that the concerned offices that require physical reporting “should provide for transportation services for their employees.”

Of course, we fear for the lives of our fellow teachers, given the rising number of COVID-19 cases, especially here in Pampanga.

It pays to be extra careful against the disease, and be one with the government in abiding by the health protocols, for our safety and that of the learners.

--oOo-

The author is Principal I at Manibaug Pasig Elementary School