Position Paper

We are in the period where the pandemic arises. Face-to-Face methods in schools are stopped since then. Online classes were introduced and implemented. The DepEd welcomes the approval of President Duterte and the Cabinet of the conduct of pilot Face-to-Face classes in very select schools within areas with low COVID-19 risk for the whole month of January 2021. The pilot will provide important experience and learning that will inform the final recommendation that DepEd intends to make on any broader resumption of face-to-face classes.

Having those said, the dry run in face to-face classes on January 2021 has conditions presented. First, the pilot implementation will take place only in areas categorized as low-risk (at least under MGCQ). Meaning the opening of schools will be only implemented based on the said category. Those who are in the higher risk, the schools will remain closed and will continue to offer continuously the online classes. Second, there must be a commitment for shared responsibility of DepEd, the local government unit (LGU), and the parents or guardians. Therefore, it will be with the accordance of the said factors in order for the face-to-face classes proceed. Within that the schools will be authorized to open face-to-face classes. And lastly, the stringent health and safety standards shall be followed at the home, during travel to and from the schools, and within school premises.

There will be considerations even though the conditions were presented and will be observed. First, students will be at risk that can result of getting higher percentage of COVID-19 positive. With the precautionary methods that will be made, thorough consideration should still take place. The students are going to travel from their home to the public transportation until school areas. Wherein, the students can spread or be carrier of the said virus to their home. Which will be more contagious, that will result into another big wave of positive patients. Second, there are Asian countries that reopened their schools for face-to-face classes. In those other who have countries have implemented and experimented with so far, the results are not pleasing. After reopening schools in japan they released a statement that 100 students were diagnosed to have the said virus. Lastly, the inequity between those who have computers and Internet access and those who could not afford either or both, simply become more glaring. Instead of allotting budget for the students or the people will be diagnosed as positive in that period, it should be allotted to provide the students their needs at the same time their health will not be at risk.

Pursuing the implementation of the dry run in Face-to-Face classes on January 2020 should not proceed. The conditions presented are precautionary measures the assurance of the safety of the students was still on the verge of building and observing. There are considerations that are need to be acknowledge and solution that can be very beneficial than making everything a trial.

ASIAN PERSPECTIVE. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2020, from https://asiasociety.org/philippines/asian-perspective

Official Statement on the Pilot Implementation of Limited Face-to-Face Classes. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2020, from https://www.deped.gov.ph/2020/12/15/official-statement-on-the-pilot-implementation-of-limited-face-to-face-classes/