Nothing beats face to face classes, says DepEd MisOcc

“We really adjusted and tried our best, nevertheless, realidad wa pa gyuy ikabaylo aning face to face (F2F) modality nato (reality is that nothing can replace our face to face modality), what I’m trying to say is there is a big difference in learning outcomes.”

This as shared by Edwin R. Maribojoc, EdD CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education – Misamis Occidental during Let’s Talk MisOcc, an e-Talakayan of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Misamis Occidental, August 25 over zoom.

There were so many challenges in learning amid COVID 19 pandemic, one is the non-readiness of teachers to create other forms of modules other than F2F and second is logistics.

Specifically in Misamis Occidental where some parts have low internet connection such as in Don Victoriano and Concepcion towns, the main modality was modular, he said.

Another major concern of the Department is the reading skills of the students. In fact, he said, there are still secondary levels having difficulty reading. The move now is to retool and reskill the teachers to polish their approaches.

There is also a shortage of school buildings and classrooms, while a number of schools in the province need repair.

“Ang atoang probinsya, province division, duna gyud ta’y dakong shortage sa schools labi na sa mga high schools. Mao na nga naa tay gi open nga Integrated schools. Last year, 21 ka integrated schools, then later part nadugangan og duha so nahimong 23. So nagkinahanglan ug two teachers for every integrated school, a total of 46,” he said.

(Our province, the province division, really has a big shortage of schools, especially highschools. That is why we have opened the Integrated Schools. Last year, 21 Integrated Schools were established, then later part, another two were added which totaled to 23. So there is a requirement of two teachers for every integrated school, total of 46)

Governor Henry Oaminal is also proactive to the needs of the Department. Maribojoc said the governor pledged for 26 teachers whom the province will pay for salaries and also provided their office additional service vehicle.

To date, a total of 76,990 learners are enrolled in the province, Maribojoc said, they are still expecting more enrollees in the coming days.

As for vaccination, about 3,921 teachers have been vaccinated, 857 with booster shots, meanwhile, 23,891 learners have received COVID 19 vaccine and 62 teachers have not submitted themselves for vaccination. (JMORucat/PIA10)