Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque on Tuesday, April 5, stressed that a safe school environment is "crucial" for children's development both academically and emotionally.
During the launching of BIDA Kid campaign, Duque said a safe school environment is only possible "if we continue to champion Covid-19 vaccination in our communities and commit to practicing the minimum public health standards."
"The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily lives, it has upended work, home, and school life, abruptly transforming the way we educate children through remote learning," Duque said.
"Fortunately due to increasing Covid-19 vaccine coverage and continued adherence, if not discipline, adherence to the health and safety protocols, we have not reached a point where we can safely reopen the schools to provide children with optimal learning opportunities that face-to-face classes are bringing," he added.
The Department of Education, in partnership with DOH and the United State Agency for International Development, launched the BIDA Kid campaign on Tuesday to promote a safe return to schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic.