Limited in-person classes in 70 Bacolod elementary, high schools to start this month

SDS Reynaldo G. Gico, EdD, CESO VI led the distribution of 300 desks and school supplies in support to the implementation of Project PAL: Preferred Area for Learning to the learner – beneficiaries of ISLA ES, Progreso NHS, Felisa ES, Pahanocoy Baybay ES, Arceo ES, and Jovito Sayson NHS. This support program is made possible through the generosity of the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod and the cooperation of Rotary Bacolod North.. Image courtesy of DepEd Tayo Bacolod City / Facebook

BACOLOD CITY — At least 70 public elementary and high schools in Bacolod City are scheduled to have limited in-person classes but teachers and students must be fully vaccinated.

The Bacolod City School Board agreed that the teachers and students who will participate in the face-to-face classes should be fully vaccinated, said Councilor Renecito Novero, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Education chairman.

”Although, somehow we cannot coerce our teachers or anybody else to be vaccinated against their will because that is their Constitutional right to refuse, it is also the obligation of the government to provide for and protect the general welfare of our people,” Novero said.

The Department of Education allows students to voluntarily undergo vaccination against COVID-19, but the local government policy will prevail, Novero said, pointing out that holding in-person classes needs the approval of the mayor.

The limited in-person classes will open on a gradual basis, said Dr. Chris Sorongon, Emergency Operations Center deputy.

“The in-person classes can start in a school if the barangay where it is located has had no active COVID-19 cases for 28 days,” Sorongon said.

So far, the priority for resumption of limited in-person classes is at the Alangilan National High School.

Next to resume limited in-person classes is the Mabini Elementary School that if approved by the Department of Education could start next week or before the end of March.

The maximum number of learners per class is 12 for kindergarten, 16 for elementary, and 20 for high school.

Students who participate in the in-person classes must have written consent from their parents.

EDV