THE DEPARTMENT of Education office in Western Visayas insisted that no health protocols were violated when some of its staff went to Boracay to launch the School Heads Academy program last July 23.

“This Office firmly stands that it did not violate any health protocol. This however, does not preempt the results of the investigation,” Dr. Ramir Uytico, DepEd Region 6 director, said in a statement.

“Indeed, the threats of Covid19 pandemic are exacerbated by infodemic — an outbreak of overabundant false and unverified information, which spreads like wildfire. Despite attempts to maliciously discredit our efforts to serve, we shall continue to deliver the best service that every Champion deserves,” he added.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas earlier called out the DepEd 6 after Uytico and six others allegedly breaching Covid19 health protocols. The mayor directed the Iloilo City Police Office to investigate the matter.

However, Dr. Lea Belleza, spokesperson of DepEd 6, maintained that Uytico and his team were not tagged as close contacts.

“Three other co-employees were identified as close contacts but they tested negative for Covid19. These employees were home quarantined,” Belleza said.

She added that the team complied with the Aklan province’s entry requirements.

Uytico vowed to cooperate in the investigation.