Hybrid Instruction Shifts for Mpox Cases in MP
Updated Article:
The Department of Education (DepEd) is weighing their options and considering a shift to blended learning amidst the Monkeypox outbreak.
During an interview on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, DepEd's 7 Director, Salustiano Jimenez, confirmed that they're planning to implement alternative learning modalities, considering the experience they've gained during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It'll likely switch to blended, online, or modular," Jimenez said.
He further stated that all schools are mandated to ensure the safety of students, even as they prepare to resume traditional classroom sessions.
Safety protocols will involve monitoring students for symptoms, regular water intake, proper hygiene practices, and prompt reporting of any symptoms to teachers.
Jimenez added that any suspected cases should be reported immediately to health authorities.
These precautionary measures will be emphasized during orientation sessions for school personnel.
"These are the things we need to spread, and we're also awaiting advice from the DOH," Jimenez said.
While the search results do not specifically mention Monkeypox-specific safety protocols by DepEd, they do provide context about health and safety measures generally implemented in schools. Known measures include the presence of triage areas, regular handwashing, use of hand sanitizers, provision of clean toilets, wearing of masks, posting of hygiene signs, and proper waste disposal. These measures are aimed at preventing the spread of diseases like COVID-19 and could be relevant in similar contexts.
The Philippine government has adopted blended learning as a strategy to reduce health risks while ensuring learning continuity. This approach combines online and face-to-face learning, which inherently reduces the risk of close contact and disease transmission. DepEd's response to health challenges often involves adapting learning modes to minimize risks, such as implementing blended learning strategies to maintain distance and reduce the potential for disease spread.
In light of the ongoing Monkeypox Outbreak, DepEd's Director Salustiano Jimenez revealed plans to incorporate health-and-wellness measures into the blended learning approach, learned from their Covid-19 response. This includes regular student health monitoring, promoting proper hygiene, and ensuring immediate reporting of symptoms, as well as adhering to general safety protocols similar to those employed during the Covid-19 pandemic. To further minimize health risks, education will continue to be delivered using a blended learning strategy, which encourages both online and face-to-face sessions, emphasizing the importance of education-and-self-development and promoting overall student wellness.
