Mixed reactions

Jemilyn Pineda dela Cruz

EVERSINCE the pandemic started, young ones as well as senior citizens have been prohibited from going out of their homes, for the reason that they are more vulnerable to catch the virus.

When the government made the decision to allow children 10 to 14 years old to go out of their homes, there were mixed reactions from the public. There were those who welcomed the decision, but more were against it – because the virus is still out ther e.

That is why when President Duterte recalled the policy of allowing minors to go out, this was met with a sigh of relief from all sectors – including the Department of Education.

In a statement, the DepEd noted that the said decision was made to protect the public – particularly the children – against COVID-19 and its reported variants.

Meanwhile, the DepEd said that while teachers can help in the information dissemination regarding the government’s vaccination program, the teachers themselves will not handle the actual vaccination procedures.

Their duty is more on the education aspect and not the medical procedures, the DepEd noted.

The DepEd also expressed its readiness to implement the pilot implementation of limited in-person classes should the health situation in the country improve, but still, the safety of students and teachers remains an utmost priority.

In view of this, the department will continuously implement academic ease measures to “lessen the mental stress of learners at home.”

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The author is Teacher III at Camba High School