EDUCATION Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones has tested negative for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
After receiving the result on Monday, Briones immediately presided at DepEd Execom’s third videoconferencing meeting to discuss the actions of DepEd on the recent issuances of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Office of the President (OP).
“Classes may be suspended but our work in DepEd to protect our Filipino teachers, personnel and 27.2 million learners against this virus will never stop. I will continue to discharge my functions as the government enhances its measures in responding to this crisis,” Briones said.
Though she had no direct exposure from a Covid-19-affected person, Briones voluntarily took a home quarantine as a precaution as some DepEd officials were exposed to a person positive for the infection during a meeting in the Central Office on February 28. They have shown no symptoms past the recommended 14-day quarantine period.
Like other Cabinet officials, Briones underwent Covid-19 testing to ensure no threat to her functions as Education chief and to protect the President and other Cabinet members from possible exposure.
Rest of school year
Briones also issued DepEd Memorandum 042, Series 2020, detailing the guidelines for the remainder of School Year 2019-2020 in light of the Covid-19 measures, which include the directives for the 4th quarterly examinations, graduation rites, grading and transmutation formula, and Online Alternative Learning Delivery.
Through DepEd Memorandum 43, Series 2020, the DepEd chief also released guidelines for work arrangements in all DepEd offices, units and schools within the National Capital Region and other areas where community quarantine was impopsed.
DM 43, Series 2020 is guided by the following: observance of stringent social distancing measures by all DepEd offices, units, and schools located within NCR; continuity of delivery of DepEd essential services and priority programs, while observing stringent social distancing measures in work-related functions and responsibilities; and consistency of the actions of each official, teaching and nonteaching personnel in the context of work and private activities, to ensure that the public health objectives are achieved and not compromised by the inconsistent action and behavior of individuals.
Last week, Briones also established guidelines on graduation rites in light of the public health situation (DepEd Order 2-2020); and signed DepEd Memo 39 authorizing the prudent use of regular MOOE and local funds to implement measures in preparing and responding to Covid-19 threats, particularly for DepEd offices and schools.
The DepEd chief also tackled finance-related matters: fast-tracking the processing of salaries of teaching and non-teaching personnel; requesting the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for early cash release for the second quarter to finance critical activities, including the appeal for reconsideration of PBB 2018; and providing additional provident funds to be made readily available for affected Covid-19 personnel.
Image credits: Department of Education