SDO Rizal holds PTA federation consultative meeting;

Q&A relieves school opening anxiety amid pandemic

ANA LIZA FLORES

Amidst the mixed opinions of parents on this year’s school opening, Schools Division Superintendent
Cherrylou D. Repia, together with Assistant Schools Division Superintendents Lerma Flandez and Jun
Araojo, gathered SDO Rizal’s PTA municipal federation presidents for an online consultative meeting on
Monday, May 26.

The initiative was meant to relieve the parents’ apprehensions regarding the opening of classes on
August 24 through a Question and Answer forum as well as to present the preparations of SDO Rizal in
ensuring learning opportunity availability to every Rizaleño learner.

“The division prepared a learning continuity plan that will provide flexible learning options. These
learning modalities such as blended learning (combination of face to face, online distance learning and
modular distance learning), distance learning (combination of online and modular distance learning),
homeschooling, and face to face learning (low and/or no risk, depending on the recommendation or
approval of the IATF) may be adopted by schools depending on their context,” SDS Repia explained.

“To address the “homework gap”, schools will provide learning package to those students who do not
have technology resources/digital learning opportunities. These learning resources are relevant and
appropriate for all types of learners,” the superintendent added.

Anthony Mateo, Rizal PTA federation president, confirmed the quorum after checking that nine out of
13 municipal federation presidents were present in the meeting that was also attended by the CID Chief
Rosemarie Blando, SGOD Chief Ferdinand Pascual with the SocMob team led by Nico Aquino and JC
Jaqueca.

Learners’ Safety

One of the frequently asked question was on the safety of the learners in schools especially in
classrooms once the face to face learning modality is approved or once the IATF declared the school’s
area as a low and/or no risk of COVID 19.

“Schools will be implementing the minimum health standards in the classrooms that is they will strictly
follow the health and safety measures like complying with the hygiene protocols, wearing face mask and
social distancing. In addition, every school is required to implement the following: no canteen, only tray
services; students will bring their own food; installing hand washing facilities; hand washing is “part of a
day in school; use of thermal scanner upon entering the school premise; frequent cleaning of high-touch
surface; and students, teachers, and staff who are unwell must not attend school,” Rosemarie Blando,
CID Chief, explained.

Parents’ Role

Since Rizal has been under quarantine, distance learning modality will be more likely to be used. This
setup, according to SGOD Chief Ferdinand Pascual, means there will be a need for parents to act as
learning facilitators.
 “School heads in partnership with the PTA Officers will conduct orientation on home-based learning to
bring awareness in relation to their new role as learning facilitators. In addition, a manual for parents in
a form of infographics shall be given to provide them a clear instruction on how they can manage and
support the learning needs of their children,” Pascual said.

Meanwhile, in order to address parents’ queries regarding the opening of classes, learning modalities
and health and safety protocols of their children, the division SocMob team led by Nico Aquino and J.C
Jaqueca will create Facebook group page for every municipality that will serve as an online platform for
information dissemination.