Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) reiterated that they are in favor of the implementation of face-to-face classes in the upcoming school year (SY) 2022-2023, but they likewise stressed the need to ensure safe resumption of classes amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 

TDC on Monday, July 18, clarified their stand on face-to-face classes for SY 2022-2023.

“Hindi kami tutol sa face-to-face classes, sa katunayan po ay gusto naming bumalik sa normal na pag-aaral ng mga bata (We are not against face-to-face classes, in fact we want children to return to normal learning),” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas.

“Gayunpaman ay dapat tiyakin ng Department of Education (DepEd) na ligtas ang mga bata, guro, at kawani sa isasagawang face-to-face classes lalo na kung 100 percent attendance ang nais ng pamahalaan (However, DepEd must ensure that children, teachers, and staff are safe in the face-to-face classes that will be held, especially if the government wants 100 percent attendance),” he furthered.

To ensure the safe implementation of in-person classes, the coalition urged the national government to build additional classrooms, provide water and sanitation facilities, as well as employ more teaching and non-teaching personnel in schools across the country.

Apart from this, TDC once again urged the department to move the opening of classes to September instead of August, reiterating that teachers should be given "enough rest" in order to prepare them physically, emotionally, and mentally before classes resume.

DepEd, on the other hand, announced that classes for SY 2022-2023 will begin on Aug. 22 and end on July 23. Blended learning may still be utilized in the upcoming academic year, but this modality may only be implemented until Oct. 31 as all public and private schools nationwide have been mandated by the department to shift to five days of in-person classes beginning Nov. 2, 2022.