NAT-G6 still ‘up in the air’ as F2F class suspensions continue

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

Uncertainty shrouds the National Achievement Test for Grade 6 (NAT-G6) in Region 6, with face-to-face (F2F) class suspensions possibly affecting its completion by the intended deadline of April 5, as shared by the Department of Education-Region 6 (DepEd-6) on Wednesday, April 3.

Despite the disruptions, DepEd-6 spokesperson Hernani Escullar Jr. confirmed to Daily Guardian that the NAT-G6 remains on track to conclude as initially planned.

The decision stands firm even as local government units (LGU) have issued class suspensions, reflecting the test’s non-compulsory nature for Grade 6 learners.

For instance, despite Iloilo City’s suspension of F2F classes starting Monday, its NAT-G6 proceeded on Wednesday.

“Based on the [DepEd] guidelines, the [NAT-G6] is scheduled until Friday [April 5]. For us here in the region, we will continue with the scheduled administration of the [NAT] because most of our divisions are scheduled [to hold exams] today until Friday,” Escullar said.

He further clarified that the NAT-G6 involves a selective group of students through random sampling, thus impacting only a limited number of learners returning to schools for the assessment.

“Those who take the NAT are not the entire population of Grade 6 [pupils], but it’s just a random sampling, so it will only affect a few learners who will go back to school [premises] as identified to take the [NAT],” he explained.

Amid ongoing class suspensions due to elevated temperatures, the regional office remains vigilant in overseeing the NAT-G6, with a keen eye on student health and safety.

Escullar added that, so far, no significant issues had been reported concerning the NAT-G6’s execution in Iloilo City, underlining the effective collaboration between DepEd divisions, LGUs, and parents.

“Our regional director has emphasized that there has to be close coordination between the division, the LGU, the teachers, the parents, and the learners who will be taking the NAT,” he emphasized.

The DepEd’s data as of April 3 indicated that 24 cities and towns in the region had shifted to alternative modes of learning delivery due to the extreme heat conditions.

Out of the total number, 19 of them were declared by the LGU. while those in all 5 towns in Guimaras (Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag), were declared by the school heads.

Schools in the said towns, as well as in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, have since resumed in-person learning activities.