SUSPENSION UNNECESSARY. Jenielito Atillo, spokesperson of the Department of Education in Davao Region says the agency does not encourage the suspension of classes in the region amid the 2019 coronavirus disease threat. In an interview with reporters in Davao City on Wednesday (March 11, 2019), Atillo notes that the current school calendar has barely two weeks left. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
DAVAO CITY -- The Department of Education in Davao Region (DepEd-11) has reiterated that the agency is not encouraging the suspension of classes in the region amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
DepEd-11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said on Wednesday that suspending classes would be unnecessary with only two weeks left for the 2019-2020 school calendar.
"We respect the suspension, but there is also a need to seek the wisdom of the school's division superintendent so that we will also discuss the rescheduling of classes," Atillo said.
Three cities in Davao del Norte--Tagum, Panabo and Island Garden City of Samal--as well as the municipality of Sto. Tomas suspended their classes starting Wednesday because of the coronavirus scare.
Although they respect the decision of local governments, Atillo called on local officials to consult with the DepEd first. He said all schools must comply with the 203 school days before ending the school year.
Moreover, the DepEd-11 spokesperson pointed out that the Davao Region remains free from the virus and the health authorities confirmed that the sole patient under investigation (PUI) has already tested negative of the virus.
He said DepEd has already directed the schools to go on with their graduation rites and moving-up exercises provided that they schedule the activities from April 13 to 17.
“They [public schools] can also postpone their graduation or moving-up if the situation escalates. The private schools, however, can hold the same activities provided that they have to employ the protocols set by the Department of Health,” he added. (PNA)
