DepEd supports DOH Bakunahang Bayan
By ALGIER C. SEMACIO
Pareja Integrated School
West Butuan District 3
The Department of Education (DepEd) is in full support of the COVID-19 vaccination of the Department of Health’s Bakunahang Bayan from December 5 to 7, this year.
Pursuant to Section 15 Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The DepEd seeks to further protect its high-risk teaching and non-teaching personnel from COVID-19 death with booster vaccinations and provide opportunities for its learners to make informed decisions on COVID-19 and vaccinations.
Based on DepEd Order No. 051, s. 2022, signed by Vice President and Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, the COVID-19 vaccination program is not mandatory and will remain to be voluntary for all school personnel and learners. There shall be no discrimination of individuals who choose not to get vaccinated or who refuse a booster. Continued counselling and education should be provided by health personnel to allow everyone the right to an informed decision.
All minors who volunteer to be vaccinated should have the consent of their parent or legal guardian. All minors who want to be vaccinated but cannot secure the consent of their parents or legal guardian should seek the assistance of social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
To effectively implement the Bakunahang Bayan and maximize the resources, time, and effort of health workers, the following are hereby ordered: All DepEd teaching and non-teaching personnel, including officials, employees, job order personnel, contracts of service personnel, and support staff, who will volunteer to be vaccinated or take booster shots during the period of Bakunahang Bayan shall automatically be excused from absence on the day of their vaccination or booster; Schools shall be encouraged to use the Bakunahang Bayan campaign and information materials, which may be accessed through bit.ly/BakunahangBayanToolkit2; shall conduct information sessions to provide relevant information on COVID- 19 vaccines and the process of vaccination; and provide regular reporting of the vaccination status. ###
