Discussed during the meeting was the possible opening of face-to-face classes in 5 Pilot schools in Isabela City.

 

According to DepEd Superintendent, Dr. Julieto Fernandez, there are five identified schools to pilot face-to-face classes in the city, to wit: (1) Old Camp Elementary School (2) Lanote Elementary School (3) Panunsulan Elementary School (Grades 4-6 only) while for Secondary Schools: (1) Kumalarang National High School (2) Calvario Peak National High School (Grades 7-12 only). Dr. Fernandez further added that these schools are justified to be ready for face-to-face classes because of the absence of COVID-19 cases in the said areas.

 

During the meeting, it was agreed that, health protocols are to be strictly observed as recommended by barangay officials and parents. Students on the other hand shall report once a week per grade level from Monday to Thursday. While Fridays shall be reserved for LAC sessions of teachers.

 

Moreover, Doc Mohrein Ismael VI, City Health Officer brought up the issue on the fast changing risk classifications of the barangays. He also emphasized the importance of strong coordination with barangays to lay down health protocols and mitigation strategies in case of transmission of COVID-19. He also cited that we need to consider the surges that are already happening in nearby provinces and the importance of ensuring the vaccination of teachers.

 

Present during the meeting are regular members of local school board composed of DepEd Officials, school heads, barangay captains and school PTA Presidents of Barangay Maligue, Panunsulan, Kumalarang, Kapatagan and other invited members. Heads of schools of identfied schools were asked to report for preparations made and issues and concerns encountered for their re-opening. To date, schools have conducted home room meeting consultations and still need to secure support and consent of parents of students who shall participate in the re-opening of face-to-face classes.

 

Nationwide, 100 public schools and 20 private schools are set to apply for the re-opening of face-to-face classes. Final decision will still rely on the assessment of IATF. According to Mayor Dadah, “Ipagpapatuloy natin ang ating paghahanda…we shall continue to prepare as mandated by recent declarations, and shall subject our schools to evaluation, however, given our health capacity, we have to also balance and adhere to the recommendations of our City Health Office.”

 

Other matters discussed was the approval of proposals of DepEd Isabela City to include the procurement of risograph machines for the Division Office, production of TV lessons for HAPIsabela Teledukasyon among others, all to be funded under the Special Education Fund of the city.