FACE( TO FACE ) IT: AN OPTIMISTIC SHIFT TO IN-PERSON CLASSES

Ma. Ronalyn D. Acang BSED 3A-ENGLISH

How nostalgic to hear loud voices reverberated inside four corners of the room,
the laughter and facial expression, coffee breaks during the long hour of studying,
pulling an all-nighter, natural dynamic of face-to-face, and warm comfort inside the
school. Triggering with the memories, we clamor: when will we return to a familiar,
traditional classroom situation?
Student have been kept home for two pandemic school openings to study under
a large-scale distance learning system. While many public and private schools are
conducting limited face-to-face lesson as part of a pilot program, parents and students
are concerned about the academe’s readiness to reopen despite pending COVID-19
proceedings.
After consulting with the interior and justice ministries, former Education
Secretary Leonor Briones urged that that the education and health department be given
the right to decide on the scope and approaches of expanding in-person programs.
According to the DepEd orders and guidelines, there are stringent requirement
for implementing face-to-face classes, including a pilot in location classified as low-
risk(at least under Modified General Community Quarantine or MGCQ). Also, the local
government unit (LGU), parents or guardians, and transportation providers must all
agree to share responsibilities. Strict health and safety regulations must be followed t
home and on school grounds.
Furthermore, Briones stated that Face-to-Face classes were considered
“successful” in a pilot run. Citing the surveys, she said that the pilot run of in-person
classes was effective. There was no record confirmed case of COVID-19 in all
participating schools throughout the implementation period. “There is a high level of
confidence to expand and continue limited face-to-face classes” she furthered.
“The President has no objection and following the presentation of DepEd Sec.
Briones, they will be able to resume classes the expansion or pilot deployment of face-
to-face classes will once again be assessed by DepEd and the Department of
Health(DOH),” Karlo Nograles said the acting presidential spokesperson.
Amid the health crisis, limited face-to-face is a massive step toward
strengthening education delivery, particularly for parents and advocates campaigning
for the safe reopening of schools as most of us believe in more conducive learning with
high hopes to be back in the sanctuary of knowledge and experiences that once left.