The Department of Education (DepEd) - National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday, Oct. 2, said public schools in Metro Manila will be open when classes start on Oct. 5 to cater to teachers who do not have stable internet connection at home and to parents looking for consultation.
During the regional virtual kick-off for school opening, DepEd NCR Regional Director Malcolm Garma said that some public schools will be open on Monday to serve as “work laboratories” for teachers as they hold their classes through distance or blended learning this school year.
“The real essence of home-based learning is also for the teachers to be at home,” Garma said. He noted, however, that “we will open our schools to serve as work laboratories” for teachers who are struggling with poor signal or internet connection.
Schools in NCR, Garma said, have better wi-fi connection. “If the teachers are experiencing poor internet signal in their homes, they can go to the schools on their own volition,” he added.
To ensure their safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Garma said school heads were asked to make certain health protocols are observed. “I also asked the school heads to prepare the schools so these can serve as work laboratories,” he said.
In Valenzuela City, for instance, some classrooms were converted into work hubs for teachers who have internet issues at home. “Aside from using our schools as work laboratories, we will also be using them as learning clinics,” he said.
Once the NCR is placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), Garma said that learning clinics will also be put up in schools to assist the parents on their concerns on the conduct of classes. “If allowed, there will also be teachers in the schools who can be available for consultation for parents,” he added.