Several groups of parents, teachers support pilot face-to-face classes

Several groups of parents and teachers supported the implementation of pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes.

Malacañang announced Monday that President Rodrigo Duterte has already approved a pilot test in 120 schools in areas considered “low risk” in COVID-19.

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In an interview with Teleradyo, Parents-Teachers Association Federation Secretary-General Lito Senieto said they are ready for the pilot test.

But parents should be willing to do so, especially since many of them have doubts about it.

He also said the program should be clear to ensure the safety of children.

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The Alliance of Concerned Teachers is also open to the Department of Education (DepEd) plan.

According to ACT Secretary-General Raymond Basilio, the return of face-to-face classes is to anticipate a possible decline in the quality of education.

Basilio said there are still areas of difficulty in distance learning due to the lack of internet connectivity.

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Other families also do not have a telephone or electricity, so many students seem to be learning nothing.

“Open kami, suportado namin ang face-to-face classes na ito subalit kailangan gawin ito, kailangan may handwashing facilities, supply ng tubig, maayos ang aming classroom na dapat well-ventilated… at may pondong ilalaan para sa magkakasakit,” said Basilio in Teleradyo.

Several groups of parents, teachers support pilot face-to-face classes

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition opposes the plan because it is dangerous, and the government has not yet coordinated the COVID-19 response in the country.

The Department of Education (DepEd) had earlier said that strict health protocols would be implemented in the participating schools.

DepEd also assisted the Department of Health and other organizations in setting guidelines for the program.

Duterte’s guidelines on the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes include:

  • safety assessment by DepEd
  • willingness of the local government unit to host pilot classes
  • written consent of the parents showing consent for the child to participate in pilot classes
  • readiness of the DepEd facility to DOH requirements to ensure social distancing, water, medicine, etc.

Teachers, school staff, etc., who are 65-years-old and under with no comorbidity will be allowed to participate in the program whether vaccinated against COVID-19 or not.

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