To carry out the assessment of students’ mental health status in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) initiated to administer Homeroom Guidance (HG) during Crisis Situation for School Year (SY) 2020-2021 in public and private schools.
In the DepEd memorandum released on June 22, 2020, the pandemic affected the education system in schools. Withal, as the learners adapt to online classes which became “new normal,” the Department has to respond to the learning struggles of the students in line with the mental health awareness.
As stated in the memorandum, it has been accorded that there is a great need to conduct a program that addresses to develop the skills related to academic, personal and social, and career aspects of the student.
“At present, the Homeroom period is part of the class program; however, there is a need to update and improve its implementation guidelines.”
According to Ronilda Co, Director of DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Services (DRRMS), the program can be a great help for the students to cope up with the difficulties and changes that they are facing.
“As we enter a new school year, our learners in the secondary level are about to make another series of adjustments that might become stressful for them,” Co said.
“This public health emergency has disrupted their lives as much as it severely impacted ours,” he added.
Efrel Rose D. Tampus, a Secondary Teacher of Cor Jesu College, said that she was skeptical at first about the added program because this will definitely add to her subject preparation but found it beneficial.
“I do appreciate the content of the program because it’s like you are a guidance counselor who gives advice to students. It creates an impact to others especially the students,” she said.
The approach of the Homeroom Guidance to students will be in an informal way considering the structured learning experience flow, this is to better assess the students and make them feel comfortable and be expressive.
The program is set one (1) hour per week for all K to12 learners and should be reflected in the class program of every school.
As of now, the policy has been effective upon releasing the memorandum publication and would be active in the succeeding years.
By: Marlowe Sumile
