As the number of Covid-19 cases are now on a downward trend and pandemic-related restrictions nationwide have now been eased, local government units (LGUs) should start allowing schools in their areas to conduct limited face-to-face classes.

Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, noted that schools that have not resumed face-to-face classes are still waiting for the concurrence of their respective LGUs.

“Ngayong binubuksan na natin ang ating ekonomiya, hindi na rin natin dapat ipagpaliban pa ang pagkakaroon ng limited face-to-face classes sa lahat ng ating mga paaralan (Now that our economy has reopened, we should no longer delay the holding of face-to-face classes in all schools),” said Gatchalian, who is seeking another term in the Senate in the upcoming May 2022 elections.

“Ang aking panawagan sa mga LGUs: pahintulutan na natin ang mga paaralan na magsagawa ng limited face-to-face classes upang masimulan ang pagbangon ng ating sektor ng edukasyon (My call to LGUs: let’s alow schools to conduct limited face-to-face classes so that our education sector can also recover),” said Gatchalian.

Citing a National Economic Development and Authority (NEDA) study, the senator said the expansion of face-to-face classes will add P12-billion per week to the country’s economy.

The additional economic output would come from the resumption of business and services around schools like transportation, dormitories, food stalls, and the sale of school materials.

Gatchalian noted that there are now 6,406 schools, including 130 private schools, conducting limited face-to-face classes as of March 5.

Under the Progressive Expansion phase of limited face-to-face classes, which started last February, 6,641 schools were nominated to conduct in-person classes.

All these schools have passed the School Safety Assessment Tool (SSAT), the lawmaker said.