THE Department of Education (DepEd) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is advocating for safer working and learning spaces.
On September 18, DepEd-CAR launched the learning continuing program through the Project Safe Working and Learning Spaces or "Handang Paaralan, Ligtas na Kinabukasan," an advocacy project led by the Public Affairs Unit and supported by Education Support Services Division.
DepEd-CAR said the project is anchored with DepEd Order 14 series of 2020 or the Guidelines on the Required Health Standards in Basic Education Offices and Schools.
Dr. Angie Catalan, DepEd-CAR medical officer, said the department came up with the project to make sure children are safe in their homes as they shift to distance learning amid the new normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"One of the most difficult things in the shifting to the new normal is the shift to behavior. We already know what the health standards are, we know it in our brain but are we practicing them? Part of the work of our regional office, even our schools division offices and our education support offices in the region and in the divisions is to make sure that we help each other ease into the new normal," said Catalan.
"How do we adapt in continuously using our mask, kailan ba dapat pinapalitan, paano sya tinatanggal, sinusuot, iyong mga details, habits na kailangan i-acquire iyon ang unti-unti nating tutulungan ang bawat isat isa through technical assistance, series of activities to make sure na ma acquire teaching personnel, non-teaching personnel, even our learners this habit so that while we are waiting for the treatment, vaccine, or cure, we would be able to mitigate the spread of the disease and make sure that our schools would not be a focal point of disease spread," added Catalan.
For the preferred learning modality in the region, the education department said 80 percent favors modular learning, while 10 percent prefers blended learning, which includes modular learning, audio and TV. About 10 percent wants online learning.