Limited face-to-face classes begin

THE LIMITED face-to-face classes in public and private schools have resumed in Zamboanga following the recommendations by experts and the Department of Education as the country prepares for the new normal.

Beng Climaco visits the Santa Barbara Elementary School despite her busy schedule to find time to meet and greet the children. (Argie Ramos)

The Regional Peace and Order Council chaired by Mayor Beng Climaco is also supportive of the resumption of the limited face-to-face classes.  But Climaco pointed out that students and teachers and other school officials and personnel must be fully vaccinated and receive their booster shot against Covid-19 to ensure the safety of everybody. 

The mayor, a teacher by profession, also visited the students at the Santa Barbara Elementary School despite her busy schedule to find time to meet and greet the children. Faculty members and the students were happy to see the mayor and thanked her for visiting the school.

The Department of Education has also allowed limited face-to-face graduation in schools in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2. “With the continuous downward trend of Covid-19 cases and easing of restrictions, we are allowing the conduct of limited face-to-face and virtual graduation, depending on the alert level status in each region,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

For schools in areas under Alert Levels 3, 4 and 5, Briones said they will only allow virtual graduation rites through an appropriate social media platform.

Schools nationwide are set to conduct graduation rites from June 27 to July 2 following the end of the school year on June 24, while private schools may implement the schedule as reflected in their respective school calendars. However, schools, divisions, or regions with an extended school year due to suspension of classes shall be guided by their approved revised school calendar.

Meanwhile, the City Health Office also dispatched its dental team led by Dr. Rowel Lubian with Dr. Elmer About and Dr. Zandro Benitez conducted dental checkup and fluoride treatment to some 300 elementary pupils at the Culianan Elementary School. They also conducted lectures on oral hygiene. 

The project was a joint effort of the local government and the Department of Education headed by Dr. Rachel Sinon and her nurses. Culianan Elementary School Principal Victoriano Miguel thanked the City Health Office and the Department of Education. (Zamboanga Post)