OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 29 (PIA)--Despite calls from various sectors to scrap the school year due to the problems brought by coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) Ozamiz is preparing for Learning Continuity Plan to ensure that education will continue during emergencies.

Ozamiz City Division, Schools Division Superintendent Jean Veloso said children's education should not stop even if there is a pandemic.

"Nangandam ta tungod kay ang mandate sa DepEd ang pagpadayon ug paghatag sa mga bata sa ilang katungod sa education, ang pagkat-on. Pero atong concern tanan ang safety ug kaluwasan sa mga bata, teachers and parents ug natong tanan," Veloso said.

(We are preparing because it is the mandate of the Department of Education to continue providing good quality education to our students, the right to learn. But our main concern now is the safety of the students, teachers, and parents and all of us)

Veloso discussed possible adjustments to SY 2020-2021 which will be scheduled August 24 either through 'face-to-face' or 'blended learning.'

Veloso said, "We are planning to allow face-to-face classes but in accordance with the social distance and safety precautions. We'll only have 20 students per classroom and if possible by the 24th of August, we will initiate the face to face classes but that depends on the Department of Health (DOH), local government unit (LGU), Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), and the President."

If face to face will not be allowed, DepEd Ozamiz also prepared an alternative class that will be done through gadgets and online connectivity.

For those who have laptops but do not have access to the internet, DepEd can send an electronic copy of the learning materials so the students will still be able to do their homework. If the students don't have internet and laptop, the teachers will be sending printed modules and it will be sent to their respective homes or the students can pick up the modules from their dropbox.

"Partner ta sa paghatag ug kinabuhi sa inyong mga anak through education. Ikapromise sa DepEd nga uban mi ninyo sa pagsuporta sa mga bata nga padayon ilang pagkat-on sa pinakaluwas nga paagi," Veloso said.

The DepEd announced that the entire month of June will be dedicated to the enrolment process. The 'blended learning' is going to be implemented this school year and the enrolment process will also be 'blended.'

Parents can enroll their kids via text, online or written document.

"There will be no face-to-face classes and sessions until we assure the safety of our learners and teachers. We are one with you in the matter of the health and safety of our learners and teachers," Veloso said.

Ozamiz City Division will follow the directives set by President Rodrigo Duterte, IATF, and LGU to ensure the safety of the students and teachers. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)