By Merlina Hernando-Malipot The Department of Education (DepEd) has delegated its regional directors the responsibility to approve or deny requests by local government units (LGUs) the use of public schools for quarantine and isolation purposes within their respective jurisdictions in the midst of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country. Education Secretary Leonor Briones (SCREENSHOT / RTVM / MANILA BULLETIN) Education Secretary Leonor Briones, through Office Memorandum (OM-OSEC) 2020-002, issued the guidance to regional directors for action on requests by LGUs to use DepEd schools as quarantine or isolation areas for COVID-19. Briones, in the memo, explained that the “matter of utilization of schools as quarantine or isolation areas” has been discussed in the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF). “The agreement was that any decision concerning public schools should be made in consultation with DepEd, and in cooperation with DepEd officials on the ground and in compliance with the Department of Health (DOH) guidelines, with due consideration to specific conditions,” Briones said. Briones noted that the DepEd has “received a growing number of requests” by various LGUs for the use of DepEd schools as places for quarantine or isolation as part of their response to COVID-19. “ Based on the data obtained by the Manila Bulletin, at least four (4) schools in Region I are currently being used as COVID-19 isolation sites. Region X said that there are “five (5) schools used for quarantine areas” for some student-delegates of the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents (NFOT) held in Cagayan and Isabela from March 9 to 13. The quarantine period will end on Saturday, March 28. In Region XI, regional director Evelyn Fetalvero confirmed to the Manila Bulletin that “one school is used as a quarantine area.” She added that “we have received several requests from LGUs here in Davao Region which are yet to be evaluated by the IATF and DOH to ensure compliance standards.” Meanwhile, DepEd reiterates that it is “fully cooperating” with the Office of the President, the IATF, and the Cabinet on decisions concerning COVID-19. “DepEd is committed to render full assistance and cooperation, and to mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the COVID-19 threat.” Schools as COVID-19 isolation centers Citing one of the provisions of Memorandum Circular No. 2020-062 issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), DepEd noted that LGUs should not use or must refrain from using DepEd schools as quarantine or isolation areas “unless explicitly allowed” by the DepEd and “strictly following the guidelines it may set.” Knowing the situation on the ground, Briones said DepEd regional directors has the responsibility to approve or deny requests by LGUs to use DepEd schools for quarantine and isolation purposes within their respective jurisdiction “based on evaluation of the request” by the Schools Division Superintendent in consultation with the school heads and with the DOH. When requesting, DepEd said LGUs “must state in its request the specific intended purpose or use for the school, and identify the particular facility in the school that will be used as well as the duration of their use, subject to extension, if necessary.” The LGU must also show that all other facilities have been duly assessed and found to be inadequate. “Schools can be recommended only when no other facilities are available,” DepEd added. The LGU, DepEd added, must present an assessment by the municipal, city, or provincial health officer that the facility within the school is suitable for the specific intended purpose and must present the planned management of the facility, which will be under the supervision of the city/municipal health officer as stated in DOH guidelines. DepEd added that LGUs request must include an undertaking: for the safekeeping of all property and valuables in the school premises during the operation of the facility; payment of utilities for the period; the conduct of the general cleaning and fumigation, and repair and/or replacement of damaged school facilities as a result of the use of the school; and, payment of expenses related to the setting up, operation, and clearing of the areas used. “When a request is granted by the regional director based on the recommendation by the concerned schools division superintendent, the school heads must coordinate with the LGU” on the various preparations before actual use of the facility for the intended purpose. LGUs must also sign the minimum Terms and Conditions (TAC) for the Use of DepEd Schools as Quarantine or Isolation Areas as provided by the regional director. “All DepEd personnel involved in the preparation of the school premises shall strictly observe all existing health precautions and social distancing protocols of DepEd,” DepEd added. The regional directors, DepEd said, must also “devise an appropriate system for monitoring the use of schools within their jurisdiction as quarantine or isolation areas.”