• CHERYL G. CRUZ
In-person classes at all levels, including daycare centers, in La Carlota City will resume today, Jan. 6, except for schools within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) and those being used as evacuation centers.
Mayor Rex Jalando-on issued Executive Order 2-2025 on the resumption of face-to-face classes in at least 25 elementary and secondary schools, and daycare centers, following the suspension since Dec. 9 when the Kanlaon volcano erupted.
For Miguel Mondia Elementary School in Sitio Bais, Brgy. Yubo, that is inside the PDZ, or those used as evacuation centers, like the La Carlota North Elementary School, La Carlota South Elementary School 2, La Carlota City College Cubay Campus, and daycare centers in Ara-al, Guintubdan, Nailab, and Parkingan, in-person classes will remain suspended until further notice due to the ongoing risks posed by Mt. Kanlaon, the EO said.
Consultations among the Department of Education, Parent-Teachers Association, Teachers Association, and barangay officials, meanwhile, are also ongoing for Ara-al Elementary School, Yubo Elementary School, and Yubo National High School.
Jalando-on said that while the shift to modular and online learning was necessary, “it has proven to be less effective than in-person classes” hence the resumption of in-person classes with full compliance to established health and safety protocols.
The Schools Division Office of La Carlota City and the La Carlota City College shall formulate a comprehensive contingency plan to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of students attending on-site classes, as well as those still situated in evacuation centers, the EO said. | CGC
