'Davao is ready for full in-person classes'

Educational materials are ready for face-to-face classes in Davao public schools in this undated photo from the city government. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By Ruth Palo November 1, 2022 

DAVAO CITY: Over 1.3 million elementary and high school students in public and private schools in Davao Region are ready to resume full face-to-face (F2F) classes starting Wednesday, November 2.

Department of Education Region 11 (DepEd 11) spokesman Jenielito Atillo said that it's all systems go for the full implementation of in-person classes in public and private schools.

Atillo however said private schools were given the prerogative to have in-person classes or to continue with the alternative learning modalities.

Data from DepEd 11 showed that 1,206,291 public school students in the region will be going back to school, while private schools will welcome 136,236 learners.

"Let us not worry about the implementation of the very strict protocols because that is one major requirement actually. This is the number one requirement that we require from public schools and even private schools, the strict implementation of the health and safety protocols," Atillo said.

He added there were private schools that decided to employ face-to-face learning because parents requested it."Many parents really want face-to-face education to be implemented, that is why they seek for schools implementing the face-to-face learning modality," he said.

Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay, meanwhile, said the city is in close coordination with the DepEd, Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Task Force (TF) Davao, and Civil Security Unit, including the City Transport and Traffic Management Office to secure the opening of physical classes.

The city is also ready to implement the "Oplan Balik Eskwela," Sumagaysay said.

He added security personnel will be deployed not only in the poblacion but even in other far-flung areas like Marilog and Paquibato districts.