University of Antique’s (UA) Face-to-Face Readiness Plan was presented to the representatives of the Local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Sibalom today, January 18, at the HRM Function Hall, followed by an ocular inspection of classrooms and laboratories in preparation for the opening of second semester classes.
“Though I know that University of Antique could be trusted on our plans, I told the EXECOM that it would be best if we invite the local IATF to look on how we’re doing things in UA to prove that indeed we are serious, and above all we are here to strike a balance between the safety of the stakeholders and the delivery of quality education,” Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., University President, shared with the IATF in his briefing.
He discussed the COVID-19 prevention plan elements, one of which is the vaccination requirement among faculty and staff, and students
Students who will undergo face-to-face classes were encourged to be fully vaccinated, while those who are not could go on with other flexible learning modalities, Dr. Crespo explained.
A UA-documented and approved medical or religious exemption certificate will be asked upon the return of students.
Meanwhile, as part of the reduced face-to-face scheme in the university, only half of the colleges can enter the school premises in a week; the other half will go on the other flexible modalities while at home, and no adjacent colleges can set foot in the same week, according to Dr. Crespo.
After the briefing of action plans, the IATF and RHU representatives, UA Executive Committee (EXECOM) members, faculty, and staff proceeded to the ocular inspection of classrooms and laboratories.
The College of Technology (COT) and the College of Maritime Studies (CMS) were the first two colleges that went through classroom and laboratory inspections since the departments are more inclined to active in-person contact in terms of laboratory work.
The inspected areas were already retrofitted, which included double doors for classrooms with small single doors, furnished plastic and acrylic barriers on tables and chairs for lectures.
“In terms of physical structure and arrangement, I couldn’t ask for more,” Dr. Eleanor Jornada, Sibalom Municipal Health Officer (MHO), when asked about her feedback during the exit conference.
However, she encouraged the faculty and students to change their facemasks twice a day when using surgical masks for further protection.
Throughout the time of reduced face-to-face classes, the Learning Management System (LMS) will still be available as this can be used by students who are not reporting to school.
There will be another inspection in the remaining colleges in the main campus on February 3, and the opening of reduced face-to-face classes is set on February 14.
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