THE pilot implementation of limited face-to-face (F2F) classes for basic education in Central Visayas has gone smoothly so far, according to the top education official in the region ahead of the new date for the conclusion of the pilot classes.
The Department of Education (DepEd) initially slated the conclusion of the pilot F2F classes on Jan. 31, 2022.
But last Dec. 9, Education Secretary Leonor Briones announced that the pilot classes would be concluded on Dec. 31, 2021 instead, so that assessment on its health implications could be done sooner and expansion of the classes could also begin sooner.
Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez told SunStar Cebu Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 that the limited F2F classes in one private school and eight public schools in the region were conducted without big problems.
“There were no issues that were not addressed. Around 440 schools all throughout Central Visayas are ready for the expansion come January. We will possibly conclude (the classes), but it doesn’t mean we will stop. We will continue with expansion in grade school levels or high schools,” he said.
Jimenez said he visited Siocon Elementary School in Bogo City, one of the pilot schools for the F2F classes, last Friday, Dec. 10 and observed that those parents who had not given their consent during the start were already requesting the inclusion of their children.
Last Nov. 23, the DepEd reported that no cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) for participating learners and school personnel had been recorded during the first week of the pilot implementation of the face-to-face classes.
The pilot run of face-to-face classes began on Nov. 15 with 100 public schools in the country.
“We would like to commend the tremendous efforts that our valued stakeholders have provided for the successful and safe pilot run of limited face-to-face classes. The involvement of everybody is crucial to the expansion of the implementation,” Briones said in a press release.