While there were “no untoward” incidents in the first two weeks of this school year’s opening, the Department of Education (DepEd) noted that there are problems that need to be addressed moving forward.
Asked to give an assessment for the first two weeks of classes, Poa said that based on the feedback coming from regional offices, there were “no major or untoward incidents” that happened so far.
However, Poa said that DepEd recognizes the challenges that were pointed out, especially by various groups.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/22/same-old-problems-marred-the-first-day-of-classes-teachers-say/
“Kahit naman nasasabi natin na generally, maayos ang nagiging pagbabalik-ekwela, we also recognize na marami pa din tayong nagiging problema lalo na yung mga perennial problems na nandyan na even pre-pandemic (Even if we say that in general, school opening is orderly, we also recognize that we still have many problems, especially the perennial problems that were there even pre-pandemic),” Poa said.
Poa noted a reported shortage in classrooms, infrastructure, and school furniture --- among others --- in public schools. “However, rest assured that the DepEd is currently addressing these issues,” he said.
Citing data as of Aug. 25, Poa said that there are 29.4 million learners enrolled for School Year (SY) 2022-2023 which opened on Aug. 22.
Meanwhile, Poa said that preparations for the mandatory implementation of five days of in-person classes in November are also underway.
In the coming months and years, Poa said that DepEd is determined to address these school opening challenges in coordination with various agencies as well as have sufficient budget for the education sector. “Hopefully, we can provide a solution to those problems in the next few years,” he explained.
To ensure the smooth opening of classes, DepEd set up the “Oplan Balik Eskwela” Public Assistance Command Center (OBE-PACC) to handle immediate virtual assistance to the public in answering queries, concerns, complaints, and clarifications about the school opening.
Poa said that the majority of concerns reported to the OBE-PACC focused on enrollment specifically coming from those who transferred from private to public schools.
Meanwhile, Poa assured that learning continues for students in areas affected by calamities.
In “Florita”-affected schools, for instance, an alternative learning delivery mode is implemented to ensure that learners will continue with their lessons.
Since the sustained damages due to flooding, Poa said the affected schools need a lot of cleaning operations.
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