How does DepEd ensure safety of students, teachers in face-to-face classes?

The Department of Education (DepEd) maintained that the implementation of the pilot phase of face-to-face classes for Kinder to Grade 3 and high school students was based on the consultation through the health and medical experts.

Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan shared on The Mangahas Interviews that the department’s evaluation that led to the conduct of the pilot phase of face-to-face classes was based on school readiness and assessment of COVID-19 risk level.

Pilot face-to-face classes resumed on November 15 for the 97 out of 100 public schools, while at least 20 private schools will participate on November 22.

Malaluan also discussed the issue of the presence of armed policemen, who escorted the mayor in Alaminos, Pangasinan.

"We don't see an intent to violate.. and it was in the context of cooperation of the community and agencies that are involved,” he said.

The DepEd undersecretary underscored that the role of parents in children’s education was seen during the distance learning.

“We can also attest that marami rin tayong learning gains in this process... Na-recover ulit 'yung papel ng magulang sa pag-aaral ng mga bata, capacity of independence and self-learning ng mga bata,” he said.

(We can also attest that we also have many learning gains in this process ... The role of parents in children's education, capacity of independence, and self-learning of children has been recovered.)

On indigent communities who have difficulties in allocating for gadgets and internet allowance, Malaluan said there are equity considerations that were studied carefully.

“May equity considerations na kailangang pag-aralan nang mabuti...While factor of resources is big, maraming factors dito like initiative ng mga guro, magulang, mga bata, minsan 'yung culture of the place is also very important,” he added.

(There are equity considerations that need to be studied carefully...While the factor of resources is big, there are many factors here like the initiative of teachers, parents, and children, sometimes the culture of the place is also very important.) -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA News