Omicron Suspensions

by Micole Ann Castronuevo

A variant coming from several mutations, also known as Omicron, has caused a record high

entirety of new active cases, which has once again limited us to few opportunities of prospering as a

society. Such as, compromising the education of our youth with the purpose to consider the well-being

of their educators and learners. The change in circumstances, in just the first two weeks in this new year,

has brought about a much-needed adjustment in our school system, giving each an opportunity to care

for oneself or kindred.

Loosening restrictions may not be the safest option for our country at this moment considering the

record-high number of cases; an opposite from schools that withheld the resumption of classes due to

the understanding of the situation of its educators and learners. It is to their knowledge that both

students and teachers are in need of a “health break” to give way for time to recover from any health

issues they are experiencing or for a chance to care for loved ones who may have contracted the virus.

De La Salle University (DLSU) was the first to announce its decision to suspend its classes and work after

conducting a health survey that revealed that almost 60% of its students and employees are currently

sick. Consequently, other schools did as much. DepEd as well released a memorandum, last January 12,

stating that DepEd Regional Offices (RO) and School Division Offices (SDO) were permitted to settle on

the particular dates and number of days for the suspension of classes given that it won't surpass two

weeks to avoid prolonged disturbance in the current school calendar; apart from that, they also gave

both private and public schools the discretion to suspend their classes if they require.

It is a perception that has given the school system no other choice, considering the condition of its

community, but to compromise weeks of education for the benefit of all. They understood the recent

surge of sickness we are experiencing and has taken necessary actions to help lessen the burden. The

rightful opportunity to care for one's self provides a breather from the seemingly endless problems and

responsibilities.