"Malls have now opened, but what about our schools?"
This was the sentiment of the Rise for Education Alliance (R4E) less than a month before the targeted pilot limited face-to-face classes in low-risk areas.
"2021 has nearly passed completely, but there is barely any change when it comes to our learning setup. In a land of hopelessness, students continue to ask for funding and academic ease left and right, but are these all the solutions we can attain?" R4E lamented.
"With the rest of the world transitioning back to normal, we continue to call for the end of the current inaccessible and inequitable learning setup."
The group also expressed support for the Safe School Reopening Bill, filed by the Kabataan Partylist, along with R4E and Student Aid Network.
The bill aims to call for a safer return to schools with funding allocated for safety programs, allowances, and enhanced protection for the education sector.
R4E also called on the national government to ensure that learning spaces are conducive for study with proper safety protocols and facilities set in place; all educators and campus staff are given proper subsidies and medical funds; and the education sector is assured with democracy and inclusivity by providing health support services and prohibition of campus militarization.
The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that it will reopen 120 schools for limited in-person classes in a pilot run which will run for two months from November 2021 to January 2022.
However, as of Oct. 19, DepEd said only a total of 30 schools will push through with the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes on Nov. 15.