As full face-to-face classes return in November

CHAIR of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated the need to properly implement necessary health guidelines to ensure that students can safely return to full face-to-face classes beginning November.

According to the Department of Education Order No. 44 that was signed by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte last October 17, all public schools shall implement five-day physical classes by November 2. On the other hand, private schools may also implement face-to-face classes or continue with blended learning.

“Suportado ko ang desisyon ng ehekutibo at tiwala ako sa kakayahan nilang ipatupad ito nang maayos. Gayunpaman, muli akong nananawagan sa pamahalaan at sa mga school authorities na tiyakin ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng ating mga estudyante sa kanilang pagbabalik sa mga silid-aralan,” Go appealed.

“Bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Health at miyembro ng Senate Committee on Basic Education, bagaman po at nararanasan na natin ngayon ang bahagyang pagbaba ng bilang ng mga tinatamaan ng COVID-19 at marami na sa sektor ng ekonomiya ang nagbabalik sa kanilang normal na operasyon, napakahalaga na mapangalagaan ang buhay ng lahat ng Pilipino, at makontina ang panganib na dala ng pandemya lalo na sa ating mga kabataan,” he reminded.

Acknowledging how physical classes can make students more productive and promote collaborative learning, Go underscored the need for students, educators, and school officials to remain vigilant and adherent to the health protocols, especially in the face of new COVID-19 variants.

He then reassured that the government continues to strengthen its pandemic efforts and likewise encouraged parents to ensure that their children are well protected from the threats of the virus by letting them participate in the national inoculation drive if eligible.

“Dapat maimplementa ito nang maayos para hindi malagay sa alanganin ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng mga kabataan. Kahit ayaw nating maantala ang klase nila, importanteng ligtas ang mga estudyante. Health and safety pa rin ang importante. Sa kagustuhan nating makapag-aral ang mga bata, huwag nating kalimutan na unahin palagi ang interes, kapakanan at buhay nila at ng bawat Pilipino,” stressed Go.

“Bilang isang magulang din, prayoridad ko ang proteksyunan ang mga bata. Unang-una, hindi maikakaila na mayroon pa ring mga hindi pa bakunado. Pangalawa, hindi natin kontrolado ‘yung galaw nila, at pangatlo, baka mag-back to zero na naman tayo kung sakaling magkahawahan na naman,” he cited.

Go then reminded school authorities to make certain that they efficiently and effectively implement necessary health and safety protocols.

The senator likewise expressed his confidence that, with proper guidance from DepEd and Department of Health, the implementation of in-person classes will be a success and will open more opportunities for the country. Nevertheless, Go reiterated that the safety and welfare of students should always be a top priority.

“Proteksyunan natin ang kabataang Pilipino. Sila ang pag-asa ng ating bayan at ng mga susunod pa nating henerasyon. Bukod sa tamang edukasyon na magiging puhunan nila sa buhay, magtulungan din tayo para mabigyan sila ng mas ligtas at komportableng buhay sa hinaharap,” Go highlighted.

“Ilayo natin sila sa masasamang bisyo tulad ng ilegal na droga, engganyuhin natin silang pumasok sa mga mas produktibong gawain tulad ng sports ‘Get into sports, stay away from drugs!’, ika nga at gabayan natin ang kanilang landas para maging mabuting mamamayan para sa kanilang mga magulang, pamilya at bayan,” he concluded.