LIMASAWA ISLAND, Southern Leyte — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday inspected a public elementary school here Wednesday ahead of the opening of classes on August 22.

Duterte met with school officials and some faculty of the Triana Elementary School and preparations for the in-person classes were discussed.

The school was damaged by Typhoon Odette in December.

Duterte explained the importance of in-person classes to the progress of the learners.

She also explained the measures that DepEd will implement to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus.

Under DepEd Department Order 34, schools will implement social distancing and reiterated the requirement for the wearing of face masks in public places, among other minimum health protocols that shall be observed in schools.

Duterte also said that DepEd will closely coordinate with the Department of Health

“Sa atong DO, distancing shall be implemented whenever possible. Nag-coordinate pud mi sa DOH,” Duterte told the teachers.

Triana Elementary School needed repair and Duterte has acknowledged that rehabilitation of the school is urgent.

But Judilyn Kangleon, Education District-in-charge, said they would open classes as scheduled.

“Pwede naman [magklase] ma’am kay na naay trapal (We can hold classes because we have tents),” Kangleon told the Vice President.

The Vice President assured the teachers and students that the rebuilding of their school would be one of priorities of the government — along with other public schools devastated Odette in Mindanao and Visayas in December.

Duterte’s visit to Triana Elementary School was part of her 2-day trip to Region 8 that starter Wednesday.

OVP MEDIA