Guv ‘not opposing’ face-to-face classes in Iloilo but…

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

 

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Thursday expressed hesitation over plans to pilot-test face-to-face classes in January 2021 amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas on Wednesday, Department of Education-Division of Iloilo (DepEd-Iloilo) spokesperson Leonil Salvilla said that 199 schools in 22 Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province will be participating in the pilot-testing of face-to-face classes.

Salvilla said that they are still in the process of seeking approval from the DepEd’s central office in Pasig City before they can proceed with the implementation of the pilot-test.

In a press conference on Thursday, Defensor hesitated whether he supports pilot-testing in the province, saying he preferred improvements in the “blended learning” system in the province.

He added that he preferred the face-to-face classes be implemented in school year 2021-2022.

A blended learning system makes use of online platforms, printed modules, and other media such as broadcast television and radio programs.

This was implemented by the DepEd as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the country in the regular school months, which were supposed to begin in June.

The pandemic also pushed the DepEd to move the beginning of classes in the basic education levels on Oct. 5.

“We don’t need [face-to-face] classes right now. We have blended learning right now and we spend a lot of money on that, we don’t need to let go of that at this time, we can do [face-to-face] next school year,” Defensor said.

He also said that blended learning is important in taking precaution in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“We are in the business of reducing risks. We can sacrifice for a bit. Why would we need to push for it when it adds to the risks, which we are also currently addressing? We have to do everything to lessen the risks that is why we can do away with face-to-face classes for a while,” he added.