Continuous safety guidelines in schools

Emma C. Garcia

The Department of Education said the opening of face-to-face classes nationwide was generally peaceful and orderly, with no major incidents reported.

Although this is the case, the DepEd and concerned agencies continue are continuously monitoring schools across the country.

The DepEd made the statement following their long preparation for the gradual transition to face-to-face learning to ensure the safe return of learners after two years due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Schools that started their in-person setup have implemented safety guidelines including the mandatory wearing of face masks, temperature checks, and proper sanitation.

Likewise, police assistance desks were also on posts near school vicinities to maintain security on educational premises.

According to the DepEd, it has recorded 28,035,042 enrolled learners nationwide as of Monday. Parents can still register their children, who will be eventually required to go on a face-to-face learning setup come November 2. The Department is still encouraging those who haven’t enrolled to enroll as soon as possible.

This year’s over 28 million enrollees have over 4 million pre-registered while the remaining more than 23 million secured their registration during the official enrollment period.

The DepEd is taking a firm stance on the gradual transition to face-to-face learning to address the “learning loss” which happened in distance learning during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the DepEd has assured the public on the observance of minimum health standards and protocols as the threat of Covid-19 continues to linger.

Officials are also expecting that classes are held in comfortable classrooms and with complete learning materials while employing creative ways in ensuring the health and safety of students.

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The author is Master Teacher II at Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School