IF THERE'S one bonus, if I may call it, in my work, it must be the opportunity to reach far-flung places and remote barangays. I see unfamiliar roads and verdant nature. I must admit the bumpy roads are like a painful form of massage, but the experience is excruciatingly helpful.
Just like last week when I had the chance to be with the group who joined Department of Education Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo when he visited two schools that would open limited face-to-face classes.
It looked like the two schools were both on the opposite side; one is in the north and the other in the south. But they were connected with a road with no traffic jams but just pure nature with few houses and small communities.
Usec. Escobedo first went to Gorgonio Tajo Sr. National High School (NHS) in Indangan and then to Dalagdag NHS in Calinan. These schools are located still in Davao City but for those who stay in the downtown area, these schools are far-off.
Together with him were Regional Director (RD) Allan G. Farnazo and Assistant (ARD) Maria Ines C. Asuncion and some DepEd personnel to personally conduct a school safety assessment. These schools intend to open face-to-face classes in the third phase of implementation come January 2022.
DepEd is now preparing learners and teachers to get back to normalcy. This means learners go back to school to learn together with their teachers and classmates. This means learning and working in groups that results in building peer relations and character.
Usec. Escobedo, in his sharing, said the opening of face-to-face classes at this time is a sign of hope and progress in our communities. True, indeed. When schools are open, we know that the community is safe.
When schools reopen, we will hear again the murmur and laughter of children, the prodding of teachers, and reminders of school heads. When schools are allowed to resume face-to-face classes, it means they have the school safety seal, an indicator that they have passed the assessment and evaluation done in coordination with the Department of Health.
Now, let’s get back to the opportunity of reaching the remote barangays. Many might not find it exciting because what do we see in a remote place anyway.
Some do not have potable water, or some have rocky, muddy, and stiff roads. But for someone working in DepEd, the sight of reaching remote barangays with elementary or secondary public schools is something to behold.
The schools are evidence that we are giving equal opportunities for all, wherever they may be, to be educated. The school buildings become a symbol of hope for those who dream to better their lives. The teachers become the guiding force of parents and children who believe that education can bring big changes in their lives.
The sight of public schools, whether constructed in a concrete building with a standard classroom or in an area with a makeshift classroom, is a sign of hope and progress. So, when schools are closed due to the pandemic, parents were forced to personally monitor the learning and progress of their children but now that we are gradually reopening schools for face-to-face classes, parents could heave a sigh of relief.
Finally, when situations get better, children will be back to school. We all know that they will learn best when they are personally and consistently guided and monitored by their teachers or when they do group activities with classmates.
Isn’t it just wonderful to bring back the excitement of children? For two years being confined at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have surely brought back proper hygiene in our lives. Or we could have learned to maintain good health by having enough sleep or eating the right food. We must have passed all these to the children.
Every barangay or at least the nearest neighboring barangay has schools to cater to the community. DepEd has reached out to the peripheries. DepEd lives with its vision to continuously improve itself to better serve its stakeholders as a learner-centered public institution.