Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on government authorities and officials of educational institutions to guarantee the health and safety of students amid the gradual expansion of face-to-face classes nationwide.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Go emphasized that while the country is already experiencing a downward trend in COVID-19 cases that allows most economic sectors to resume normal operations, securing human life and managing the risks brought about by the ongoing pandemic should be primordial concerns
“Hinihimok ko pa rin ang gobyerno at mga school officials na siguruhin ang kapakanan at kalusugan ng ating mga estudyante sa gitna ng gradual expansion ng face-to-face classes sa bansa (I am urging the government and school officials to ensure the welfare and health of our students amid the graduyal expansion of face-to-face classes in the country),” Go said.
“Naiintindihan po natin na importante po ang edukasyon dahil ito ang tanging puhunan natin sa mundong it. (We understand that education is important because this is the only capital in this world). Kaya hinihikayat ko ang mga bata na patuloy na mag-aral kahit na may krisis tayong hinaharap. Gayunpaman, gawin natin ito sa ligtas na paraan (This is why I am encouraging the children to continue their studies despite the crisis we are facing. Nonetheless we will do this in a safe way),” he added.
The senator from Davao called on school administrators and educators anew to strictly implement the Required Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation jointly issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH) as they return to in-person instruction.
“We'll do it one step at a time so that our students' safety is not jeopardized. Huwag natin biglain (Let us not rush it) and let us assess what happens. Kahit ayaw nating maantala ang klase nila, importanteng safe ang mga estudyante (Even if we do not want to delay their classes, what is important is that the students are safe)” Go explained.
Earlier, the DepEd expressed optimism that additional schools would be eligible to participate in the expansion of physical classes. Notably, the conduct of face-to-face classes may only be implemented in areas under Alert Levels 1 and 2.
In January, the education department reported that 304 schools were authorized to resume in-person sessions beginning February, following President Duterte’s approval of the progressive expansion.
DepEd noted that as of February 9, there are 39 schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) that are able to continue limited physical classes. Twenty-eight of these schools are among the pilot educational institutions that began the conduct of face-to-face classes in November last year.
In light of the on-going vaccination program for children aged 5 to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 18, Go also appealed for schools and colleges to be given more resources to organize inoculation drives in order to get more young people immunized.
He also underscored the importance of providing clear and consistent guidelines to aid local authorities and schools in the safe resumption of face-to-face classes.
Go reiterated that schools should not be compelled to open against experts’ advice, and urged the government to provide them with the necessary assistance and resources, such as masks, face shields, and other personal protective equipment.