THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, announced that 10 indigenous peoples (IP) schools in Zambales province are all set for face-to-face classes that will start on Monday, November 15, 2021.
DepEd, in a statement to SunStar Pampanga, identified the schools as Banawen Elementary School in San Felipe; Belbel Elementary School, Burgos Elementary School, Maguisguis Elementary School, Moraza Elementary School, Owaog-Nebloc Elementary School, Nacolcol Integrated School at Palis Integrated School in Botolan; Baliwet Elementary School and San Marcelino National High School in San Marcelino.
DepEd-Central Luzon said some 500 Grade 3 and Senior High School Tech-Voc Strand students, along with about 75 teachers, will troop back to the classrooms for the face-to-face classes.
In compliance with the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 of the Department of Health and DepEd, face-to-face will be from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. only, while the printed modular modality will continue in the afternoon.
DepEd-Central Luzon added that the Schools Division Office of Zambales has assured the readiness of principals and stakeholders in the preparations for face-to-face classes, including cleaning and sanitation of classrooms, posting of reminders on health protocols, provision of alcohol and hand sanitizers, Wash facilities and ensuring the availability of learning materials to be used by students.
The resumption of face-to-classes in the 10 IP community schools is fully supported by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the Department of Health, the provincial government of Zambales headed by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., and community leaders.
Before the November 15 opening, DepEd officials from the regional and central offices are expected to inspect the schools regarding the preparations and check if all aspects about the resumption of face-to-face classes are in order. (JTD)