Groups are pushing for the provision of health insurance for students who will take part in the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes as recommended by the Department of Education (DepEd).
Aral Pilipinas, a group composed of education practitioners, parents, students, and development workers advocating for the continuity of education in times of crises and in the face of multiple vulnerabilities, said that the government should provide health insurance to students who will be part of the dry run to ensure their health as well as their family’s well-being.
“Magbigay ng health insurance para sa lahat ng mag-aaral na sasailalim sa face-to-face classes (Provide health insurance for all students undergoing face-to-face classes),” Aral Pilipinas said. “Pananagutan ng pamahalaan ang buhay at kalusugan ng mga estudyante at ng kanilang mga pamilya (The government is responsible for the lives and health of students and their families),” it added.
Along with Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP), Aral Pilipinas is also urging the DepEd and the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to address several concerns before proceeding with the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in January 2021.
“Hindi dapat pagpilian ang pagpapatuloy ng pag-aaral o ang pananatiling ligtas ng bawat estudyanteng Pilipino (We cannot chose between continuing education or the safety of every Filipino student),” the groups said.
Aside from providing health insurance for students, the groups are also asking the DepEd and the IATF-EID to ensure that the recommendation of health professionals are considered.
In particular, the groups said that the schools chosen for the pilot implementation should have the capacity to adhere to protocols and safety standards.
“Gamitin ang kakayahan ng paaralan na sumunod at magpatupad ng #APATDAPAT bilang basehan ng pagpili kung alin ang bubuksan sa pilot ng face-to-face classes (Use the school’s ability to follow and implement #APATDAPAT as a basis for choosing which will pilot face-to-face classes),” the groups explained.
“#APATDAPAT” counts the recommendations of health professionals under Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against Covid-19 (HPAAC) to ensure the safety of the communities against the virus. It refers to A-Air circulation, P-Physical distance (1 meter or more), A-Always wear mask and face shield, and T-Thirty minutes interaction or less.
“Kung hindi kayang ipatupad ang #APATDAPAT hindi dapat buksan para sa face-to-face classes ang paaralan (If #APATDAPAT cannot be implemented, the schools should not be open for face-to-face classes),” they added.
The groups are also urging the authorities to clearly explain to parents the basis used by DepEd in choosing the schools that will participate in the pilot run.
“Dagdag pa dito, kailangan rin ng malinaw na polisiya paano ang ugnayan ng DepEd sa mga LGU lalo na sa contact tracing at kung ano ang gagawin kung sakaling magkaroon ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa kanilang lugar (In addition, a clear policy on how DepEd will coordinate with LGUs especially in contact tracing and what to do in the event of a COVID-19 case should be clear),” the Aral Pilipinas and SNPP said.
Furthermore, the groups are asking the DepEd and IATF to ensure that parents and learners have options should they decide not participate in the conduct of face-to-face classes.
“Panatilihin ang pagpapatupad ng ibang moda ng blended learning, tulad ng modular, online, at TV/radio-based instruction sa mga pilot na paaralan habang nagsasagawa ng face-to-face classes (The implementation of other modes of blended learning, such as modular, online, and TV/radio-based instruction in pilot schools while conducting face-to-face classes should be maintained),” the groups added.
Lastly, Aral Pilipinas and SNPP are urging the authorities to listen and consult parents on the planned pilot implementation of face-to-face classes.
“Iisa lang ang buhay ng aming mga anak, hindi namin isasapalaran ito kung walang malinaw na polisiya at proteksiyon (Our children have only one life, we will not risk it without clear policy and protection),” they ended.