IN preparation for the possible resumption of physical classes, the Department of Education in Soccsksargen plans to vaccinate more teachers and non-teaching personnel against Covid19.

So far, only 36.33 percent of the 44,410 personnel in eight school divisions and other offices and units have been fully vaccinated.

DepEd Soccsksargen Director Dr. Carlito Rocafort said that about 20,990 or 46.26 percent are waiting for notices from rural health units for their second doses.

“There are 7,285 teachers and non-teaching personnel who have registered for the ongoing vaccination rollout but there are still others who have not yet registered,” Rocafort added.

He said that the department aims to achieve herd immunity in the education sector, thus it continues to urge all personnel to get jabs, particularly those in schools that will hold limited face-to-face classes.

“We are making sure that all teachers in the participating schools are fully vaccinated by the start of the pilot classes as required by the DepEd central office and the Department of Health,” Rocafort said.

“It is our responsibility to get vaccinated against Covid19 to protect our families, friends, and eventually our learners,” he added.

At least three elementary and two secondary schools are being prepared by DepEd Region 12 for the resumption of in-person classes.

These are the Bato Elementary School in Makilala and Paco National High School in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato; Ned National High School in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Nelmida Elementary School in Koronadal City; and, Aspang Elementary School in General Santos City.