TACLOBAN CITY – Face-to-face classes at San Jose National High School here resumed on Monday, after being suspended for two weeks following the recent fatal incident involving minors that claimed the lives of three learners and injured 20 others.

Department of Education (DepEd) Tacloban schools division information officer Nilo Eder told reporters they must resume classes this week to restore a sense of normalcy after the traumatic experience of learners on June 22.

“This will be a gradual return of face-to-face classes since emotional healing is ongoing. In the past two weeks, we have been preparing teachers, students, and even the school’s physical environment,” Eder said.

To ensure the safety and well-being of learners and personnel, Eder said their office has implemented several measures in partnership with the Tacloban City government, the Philippine National Police, barangay officials, parents, alumni, non-government organizations, and business groups.

These include the provision of psychological first aid and psychosocial support services, installation of additional closed-circuit television cameras, completion of the school's perimeter fence, installation of walk-through metal detectors, deployment of additional security personnel, increased police visibility, and improvements to school facilities.

DepEd said psychosocial interventions and wellness activities will continue even after classes resume to help learners and school personnel cope with the emotional effects of the tragedy.

“Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez has organized a special program featuring guest performers at the school on Monday as part of efforts to promote healing through music, art, and other activities,” Eder added.

The two classrooms where dead students were found have been repainted and will not be used for instructions, but as stock rooms or office of school personnel.

In a statement released Monday, the DepEd-Tacloban said the reopening marks the beginning of the school's recovery while honoring the memory of the victims.

"The resumption of classes signifies not that we have forgotten what happened, but that we are courageously taking the first steps toward restoring normalcy while honoring the memory of those we lost," DepEd-Tacloban said.

The division said it continues to mourn the students who died, pray for the recovery of those injured, and support their families and the entire school community.

All the 20 injured students, including the three admitted to intensive care units, have been discharged from hospital confinement on Sunday, according to DepEd. (PNA)