DepEd Naga starts limited, in-person mode of classes

By Jason B. Neola

The Office of the Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education in Naga City is readying the full implementation of the traditional learning modality in all the 41 public elementary and secondary schools under its supervision.

Schools Division Superintendent Mariano de Guzman said that at least seven of these schools have begun implementing limited face-to-face classes since March, several weeks after the city was placed under Alert Level 1.

“Limited face-to-face classes mean limited number of teachers are involved in classroom teaching and limited number of pupils are being taught for limited number of hours,” the DepEd official said.

Marilyn Ste. Felipe, school principal of Del Rosario Elementary School, said kinder pupils are attending classes from 7:15 AM to 10:30 AM while pupils from Grades 1-3, 7:15 AM to 11:45 AM and those in Grades 4 to 6, 12:00 noon to 4:30 PM.

RETURN TO SCHOOL The Del Rosario High School in Barangay Del Rosario, Naga City welcomes students after more than two years in lull due to the pandemic that began in the last quarter of 2019. JBN/REYBAYLON/CEPPIO

At the moment, DepEd Naga has over 10 schools nominated to implement the same learning system as part of the DepEd Naga’s effort to expand the adoption of the progressive expanded limited face-to-face classes.

De Guzman, however, said that there’s no advice yet from the DepEd main office as to when the regular classes will formally start.

He said the four schools constructed under the administration of Mayor Nelson Legacion will immediately be included in the implementation of the progressive expanded limited in-person classes once they have completed the requirements being asked for by the DepEd regional office.

One of the basic requirements is the installation of hand-washing areas and other facilities that will allow students and school personnel to follow the health and safety protocols against Covid-19.

These schools are the Sta. Cruz National High School, Balatas National High School, San Isidro National High School, and the Yabu Elementary School.

De Guzman said the DepEd allows even unvaccinated students to attend the progressive expanded limited in-person classes, which conforms to the recent pronouncement of Mayor Legacion.