THE Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Negros Occidental is encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) as they stepped up preparations for the opening of the new school year on August 22, 2022, and the resumption of full face-to-face (F2F) classes by November.
Ian Arnold Arnaiz, spokesperson of DepEd Division of Negros Occidental, said that from August to October this year, their office will concentrate on preparing all the public schools in the province for the eventual resumption of F2F classes.
Based on the initial information received by the division, areas placed under Alert Levels 1 and 2 will be allowed to hold F2F classes.
Since Covid-19 had yet to disappear or declared as endemic, all of the teachers and students are being reminded not to be complacent.
At present, a majority of the teachers in the province have already been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, while vaccination rates among minors are still low.
Arnaiz advised parents not to hesitate on having their children vaccinated as it would give them additional protection against Covid-19.
DepEd Division of Negros Occidental Schools Superintendent Marsette Sabbaluca earlier said the towns of EB Magalona, Don Salvador Benedicto, Pontevedra, Toboso and Valladolid are ready for the resumption of full F2F classes.
As of July 12, there were 252 of the 581 public elementary schools and 10 of the 117 private schools ready for in-person learning.
On Tuesday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson met with Sabbaluca and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang to discuss the readiness of public schools in the province for F2F classes.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. also earlier said he wants the local government units (LGUs) to conduct a large-scale immunization drive for booster shots targeting school children so they can safely go back to school either August or September.
Marcos has revealed the government's plan to resume full capacity in-person learning by November this year.
The national government currently allows Covid-19 vaccination for aged five and above. Also, it recently released guidelines for additional doses for 12 to 17 years old.