Gatchalian backs optional wearing of masks in schools
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday, November 9 commended the Department of Education (DepEd) for successfully implementing a full in-person classes, saying the move is crucial to the recovery of the basic education sector after a two year battle against the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gatchalian, who heads the Senate Committee on Basic Education, also expressed his support to the optional wearing of face masks in schools as this would help restore normalcy after two years of implementing distance learning.
Nevertheless, the senator said it is imperative that schools continue to enforce health measures such as ensuring proper ventilation, installing adequate handwashing facilities, and promoting vaccination against COVID-19 to ensure the safety of the students.
"Matapos ang mahigit dalawang taon ng pagpapatupad ng distance learning, sa wakas ay nakabalik na ang ating mga mag-aaral sa full face-to-face classes (After more than two years of implementing distance learning, our students are finally able to return to full face-to-face classes),” Gatchalian said.
“Hindi magiging posible ito kung hindi dahil sa ating mga guro, school heads, mga superintendent, at pati na kooperasyon ng mga magulang (This would not be possible if it were not for our teachers, school heads, superintendents, and also the cooperation of the parents),” he said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 7 that allows the voluntary wearing of masks in both indoor and outdoor spaces except in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation by land, sea, and air.
However, the EO mandates the continuous implementation of minimum public health standards to prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Gatchalian, likewise, emphasized the importance of implementing genuine learning recovery to mitigate learning loss that resulted from the lack of face-to-face classes.
The lawmaker had filed Senate Bill No. 150 or the proposed Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Act to ensure that students are ensured optimal instructional time to master essential competencies and make up for learning loss.