KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province (PIA) -- A total of 27 public elementary and secondary schools here are now 100 percent ready for the implementation of extended limited face-to-face classes.

The elementary schools are Upper Singao Elementary School, Datu Saliman Elementary School, RBA Sabulao Elementary School, F. Suerte Elementary School, Kidapawan City Pilot Elementary School, Nuangan Elementary School, Malinan Elementary School, Amas Central Elementary School, Gayola Elementary School, Onica Elementary School, Patadon Elementary School, San Roque Elementary School, Katipunan Elementary School, Amazion Elementary School, Mateo Elementary School, Kalasuyan Elementary School, Lanao Central Elementary School, and Singao Integrated School.

On the other hand, the secondary schools are Amas National High School, Juan L. Gantuangco Science and Technology, Spottswood National High School, Kalaisan National High School, Saniel National High School, Manongol National High School, Ginatilan National High School, Mt. Apo National High School-Balabag Extension, and Mt. Apo National High School.

City Mayor Joseph Evangelista said these schools passed the School Safety Assessment Tool and other requirements set by the Department of Education and Department of Health to implement limited face-to-face classes.

“This is the right time that we implement limited face-to-face classes since we are now under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and active COVID-19 cases in the city are now decreasing,” Evangelista emphasized adding that the city is on the road to recovery.

Meanwhile, the local chief executive said that schools will no longer require contributions from parents because the city government already allotted P5.3 million, under the Special Education Fund, to address essential needs and other requirements of students for the limited face-to-face classes.

He also said 10 workers will be assigned to each school for the maintenance of the facilities. These workers, he added, will be paid through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers o TUPAD program.

The city mayor then clarified that there are four schools in Kidapawan which already implemented the limited face-to-face classes last year. These are Paco National High School, Kidapawan City National High School, Binoligan Integrated School, and Northwest Hillside School.

Evangelista also expressed optimism that this year, 40 additional schools are going to implement the face-to-face classes. (With reports from JSCJ&IF-CIO Kidapawan)