by Isabella Magno

Following the pilot implementation of in-person classes in basic education on November 15 after over a year of distance learning, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the management of the emerging infectious disease has approved the plans on limited face-to-face classes for all programs in areas under alert level 2 on Wednesday, November 17.

“The IATF would like to reiterate that the phased implementation of limited face-to-face classes in HEIs [Higher Education Institutions] should be done alongside the continued implementation of proactive measures and restrictions that have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Cabinet Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said. 

Nograles also added that among the measures practiced include vaccination of all eligible individuals, wearing of masks, social distancing, and hand-washing to maintain the steady decline of COVID-19 cases in the country, as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) eyes the continuation of in-person classes for all levels in January. 

To ensure the safe reopening of higher education campuses, Nograles mentioned additional conditions in the phased implementation program that CHED is required to follow. 

This includes 50 percent indoor capacity, continuous compliance of the safety protocols from the LGUs, and full vaccination of all teaching and non-teaching personnel, as well as all students.  

Moreover, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced that they might decide to expand the grade levels covered in limited face-to-face classes in January 2022 after Education Secretary Leonor Briones saw the “success” in the initial pilot testing where 97 public elementary schools and 20 private schools were able to participate. 

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan of the Department of Education said they would extend from kindergarten through grades 4 to 6.

“We intend to submit our report to the president by the end of December. We anticipate the recommendation of an expansion by next year,” Malaluan said in an interview with One News’ “The Chiefs” on Tuesday night, November 16. 

President Rodrigo Duterte already gave the authority to determine the number of schools to participate in the expanded pilot face-to-face classes to DepEd and the Department of Health. 

Since Duterte authorized the restricted face-to-face classes for health allied courses in January of this year, CHED has begun to adopt the limited in-person sessions in other degree programs that “need hands-on experience” such as engineering and marine transportation, which started in September this year.

The current updates regarding the limited face-to-face classes are part of the first of the three phases of the education sectors’ plan to return to traditional classes. 

In the college departments, the official first phase will begin in December which only includes higher education units in areas under Alert Level 2 while those under Alert Level 3 will only start onsite classes on the second phase that will emerge in January next year. 

References

Bernardo, J. (2021. November 16). Duterte allows Deped, DOH to decide on expansion of in-person classes. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/16/21/deped-doh-allowed-to-decide-on-expansion-of-in-person-classes

Cabrera, R. (2021, November 18). In-Person Classes for All Levels Eyed in January. One News. Retrieved from: https://www.onenews.ph/articles/in-person-classes-for-all-levels-eyed-in-january?fbclid=IwAR1eslZYft1YkDk58CVO4o7lQiNix7-II8ERU9ii9MzOnrXzzzDxDC3B5fc

Magsambol, B. (2021, September 28). Duterte OKs limited face-to-face classes in engineering, tourism, 3 other courses. Rappler. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/duterte-approves-limited-face-to-face-classes-engineering-tourism-other-courses

Photo Source: Ruy L. Martinez