Solon on DepEd seminars in Zambales amid pandemic: Totally uncalled for

Zambales Representative Cheryl Deloso-Montalla expressed alarm over the seminars conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Zambales early this month which resulted in 29 COVID-19 infections among attendees.

In a press statement, Deloso-Montalla said the seminars took place from March 1 to 6 and March 8 to 12 in two separate beach resorts in Iba. School principals and head teachers attended the said seminars.

"While it is the mandate of DepEd to ensure universal access to quality education during this most challenging time in the recent history of humanity, the conduct of a face-to-face seminar involving a crowd beyond what is permitted by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases by DepEd Division of Zambales is totally uncalled for," Deloso-Montalla said.

She said the 29 COVID-infected principals and head teachers are now being attended to at the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital.

Deloso-Montalla said the incident is already being looked into by concerned authorities.

"The matter has already been referred to competent authorities for the determination of the propriety, soundness of judgement, and accountability of DepEd Division of Zambales in its conduct of aforesaid seminars," she said.

She further urged Deped Zambales to "take the extra mile" in assisting all infected school personnel as well as their direct contacts.

In a separate statement, Leonardo Zapanta, the division's superintendent, took full responsibility of the situation. He assured the public that actions will be done to help those who are infected with the disease.

"I plea the public to give us time to do immediate actions to ensure that all employees will be safe and provide support to all who are affected," Zapanta said.

"We are willing to address all queries and concerns in due time, but now, please allow us to heal," he added.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker also urged the public to exercise restraint and focus on helping the community in preventing the spread of the virus.

"It is best for us to effect cohesive and coherent strategies to end this pandemic while we support in whatever manner those who have been afflicted with COVID-19," Deloso-Montalla said.—AOL, GMA News