ZAMBOANGA CITY – Nearly 220,000 students returned to school for face-to-face classes Monday, Aug. 22, in this city after a two-year hiatus from the Covid-19 pandemic.
A total of 219,164 students went to 300 schools under 33 school districts, based on figures released by the Division of Zamboanga City Schools. The figure represents 83 percent of elementary and junior and high school students.
Students and their parents were seen milling at the entrances of city schools at the start of school early Monday morning.
No untoward incidents were reported by the Zamboanga City police. Authorities were spotted maintaining visibility and securing students in the schools.
School authorities are still cautious of rising Covid-19 cases in this city and are implementing measures to avoid a possible spread of the virus in schools.
School officials have reportedly reduced class sizes and allowed only vaccinated teachers and school personnel to teach in classrooms.
The Department of Education here has reiterated the observance of minimum health standards and other preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus.