OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)— The Balik Eskwela 2022 that marked the official opening of face-to-face classes here was a "big day," according to an official of the Department of Education (DepEd).

In Let's Talk MisOcc virtual media forum, Ozamiz City Division Schools Division Superintendent Jean G. Veloso cited the joy felt by learners, teachers, parents and other stakeholders during the opening of classes in both public and private schools.

“Malipayon kaayo ta sa pagbukas sa klase ug nakita nato ang pag-salig sa mga ginikanan ug sa mga bata nga nibalik gyud sila sa eskwelahan ug inubanan sa strong support sa mga stakeholders particularly our local government, barangay officials and DepEd central and regional offices,” she said.

(We are very happy with the opening of classes and we see the excitement of the parents and the schoolchildren as they go back to school with the strong support of the stakeholders particularly our local government, barangay officials and DepEd central and regional offices.)

“As expected, sa pagsugod sa klase there were around 37,000 nga nag pa enroll public and private and then nagdako siya everyday nahimo na siyang 38,348.” 

(As expected, there were around 37,000 who enrolled in public and private  schools at the start of the classes, and now  the enrolment reached 38,348.)

Veloso also shared that the 58 schools in Ozamiz City started a limited and expanded face-to-face classes last March, April and May 2022 in preparation for the big day.

In fact, all of these schools received a "Safety Seal" for implementing the health protocols in their respective schools such as putting up a signage, washing facility, thermal scanner, foot-bath among others and a contingency plan is in place in case someone gets COVID. 

On the vaccination program, she said that vaccination is highly encouraged but is not required.

“Taas taas na ang atong vaccination update sa atong mga teaching and non-teaching personnels nga naka first booster naa nata sa 73% ug sa atong mga kabataan sa naka first ug naka second dose naa nata sa 57% and counting karon nagkadako siya."

(Our vaccination status for our teaching and non-teaching personnel who have received first two doses and only one booster is at 73% and among our children who have received the first and second dose, is at 57% and counting). (SMRN)