Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero expressed hope that the proposal put forward by the Department of Education (DepEd) to allow limited face-to-face classes will push through this incoming school year in areas where cases of COVID-19 are low or almost none.
Escudero said allowing limited face-to-face classes in these areas is feasible while ensuring the safety of teachers and students through the strict health and safety protocols.
“In Sorsogon, 55% of our barangay have been COVID-free since the start of the pandemic. So bakit naman hindi sila papayagan makapag-limited face-to- face classes?” the former senator asked.
A proposal by the DepEd to pilot in-person classes in when school opens in September was turned down until the country achieves herd immunity.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones is appealing to Malacanang to reconsider as the agency anticipates the vaccination of teachers and students against COVD-19, adding that DepEd has clear plans as to how gradually implement face-to-face learning.
While the education department’s plan has yet to get a nod, Escudero is proposing to the government to consider delegating to local government units the decision whether to allow or not limited face-to-face, cognizant of the health and safety protocols that must be observed.
“I believe that the decision to allow or not to allow limited or pilot face-to-face classes should be delegated to governors and mayors from highly urbanized cities subject to certain restrictions and guidelines,” the veteran legislator said. “The local chief executives know what’s happening on the ground and are in a better position to determine what is applicable in their respective localities.”
Escudero pointed out that allowing limited face-to-face classes in places where there are no more cases of COVID-19 will do good for the students, who have been facing multiple challenges, including internet connectivity and gadgets availability.
The governor said students in far-flung provinces have to be at par with their counterparts studying in the big cities.
“While we are doing our best in Sorsogon to give our children good quality education, dehado pa rin, agrabyado pa rin yung mga bata na nasa probinsya compared sa Metro Manila o sa mga siyudad, lalo pa ngayon,” he said.
Escudero continued: “My kids (in Manila) are studying using an iPad or laptop. Hindi naman lahat ganon sa probinsya. Hindi rin lahat ng bata may signal. Hindi rin lahat ng bata may Wi-fi o may load. Unfair at hindi ‘di naman makakapag-make up classes ang estudyante sa probinsya.”