Readiness of DepEd Bicol for full face-to-face classes

By: Kennely Malejana

Legazpi City- 99.17% schools in Region V is now ready for implementation of five day in-person classes.
According to an interview with Mayflor Marie L. Jumamil the AO DepEd Regional Information Officer.
“DepEd Bicol is very ready” Mayflor Marie said. It started from last year they’ve prepared the policies,
equipment and training of tearchers and the facilities of the schools even the implementation of face-to-
face classes. It’s a coincidence that this year 2022 public schools is required to return to five days in
person classes. DepEd intended to have a full face face-to-face classes because, it's more effective when
students have actual or in person engagement to its learners.

Among 4000 schools, 32 schools in Bicol are not yet able to have a full face-to-face classes because of
challenges in their school. “One of the common challenges in other schools is the insufficient
classrooms” Mayflor Marie said. Classrooms are under repairs because of the damage of strong typhoon
that passed through Bicol region. Second reason is the shortage of teachers that will handle in person
classes. DepEd is checking if they need to adjust the policies and allocating the funds for immediate
repairs of classrooms and construction of temporary classrooms.

DepEd Bicol has taken steps to ensure the smooth implementation of face-to-face classes. “Unang-una
nagkaroon ng inspeksyon ng mga eskwelahan tinignan ang mga facilities na kailangan. Pangalawa,
nagkaroon ng pagtitingin sa mga teachers kung gaano sila kahanda pagdating sa kakayahan at sa mga
kinakailangan na kasanayan” Teachers must practice by attending seminars and workshop for teachers
for the face-to-face classes. Also by checking the facilities ensuring the safety of students and teachers
by still following the minimum health standard protocol.

“Last November DepEd Bicol expected that all schools in the Region should be having full face-to-face
classes following the regular class schedule pero hindi lahat nakapag comply.” In the coming year DepEd
DepEd Mayflor Marie Information officer says “Yes, not only in Bicol but sa buong Pilipinas sa lahat ng
public schools.” From the memorandum order of DepEd.