On Oct. 6, 2021, the Department of Education released the names of 59 schools approved for the pilot testing of limited face-to-face (F2F) classes which are in areas tagged as “with minimal or low risk” categorized by the Department of Health.
The news triggered various reactions from people all over the country, but one question prevails, “Are we ready?”
It can be recalled that on the 21st of September, DepEd published its plan to launch pilot classes in selected 100 pubic and 20 private schools nationwide that will meet the qualification standards and pass the risk assessment.
As the only remaining country with no F2F classes, Education Sec. Leonor Magtolis-Briones said she believed it is time to follow suit.
Even during the initial suspension of classes, the Secretary had been adamant in her belief that education cannot wait.
Given the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders to educate the “hope of our nation”, it is understandable that any person in her position would likely have the same mentality.
Similarly, no one can question parents who will opt to decline the offer for F2F classes in consideration of the current health risks.
Attending classes F2F is voluntary, and only learners with a signed consent, along with the certification of having no co-morbidity, can join in the pilot testing.
Talking about readiness, participating schools have installed temperature scanners, washing areas, alcohol stands, and acetate/plastic cubicles. The preparations focus on maintaining a safe physical environment for the learners.
But how about the teachers? Are they physically- and mentally-ready?
As of this writing, 60 percent of the non-teaching and teaching personnel have been fully-vaccinated, according to DepEd. This statistic, however, does not seem to matter as it has been stated that vaccination is not a requirement for teachers involved in F2F classes.
This, despite the fact that teachers can transmit the virus to the learners, or themselves get infected by the students — as what have happened in other countries conducting F2F classes.
On top of these, are the parents ready to send their children to school whilst the pandemic is not yet over?
There are also children who are willing to take part in the pilot-testing but who remain unvaccinated — which could make them more susceptible to contracting the virus.
Studies show, however, that children have stronger immune systems, compared to the older age group.
Parents altogether face the same dilemma, and decisions are divided. Thus, everyone is looking forward to the turnout and result of this pilot-testing as it will either pave the way or further delay the resumption of normal classes.
More importantly, it will provide the answer to the more important question: are we ready?
Jamm Y. Villavecencio
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