Resuming face-to-face classes will benefit children’s mental health and social development but the decision will eventually be up to the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID)
Citing a Laging Handa press briefing on Thursday when Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the holding of physical classes in areas where Covid-19 cases are low is under review, Sorsogon Governor Francis Escudero said he is hopeful that President Rodrigo Duterte would finally approve the recommendation.
“I am thankful that DepEd and IATF are recommending pilot face-to-face classes. I hope PRRD will favorably consider their suggestion,” he said in an emailed statement on Sunday.
Escudero said 55 percent of Sorsogon’s 64 villages are Covid-free since the start of the pandemic last year.
“Sana naman ay makasama kami sa mga papayagan makapag- (I hope we will be among those allowed to hold) limited face-to-face classes,” the former legislator added.
Escudero also cited studies that school closures result in learning loss, mental distress, missed vaccinations, heightened risk of dropout, child labor, and child marriage.
“I’m worried about children. For example, I worry about their social skills, even with my children. Buong araw nasa iPad, nasa kwarto nagkaklase (They are using gadgets the entire day and attending classes while in their rooms). How can they have the social skills to handle the daily problems of life?” he said, adding that once students graduate, they may not know how to interact with co-workers. (PNA)
