PILOT FACE TO FACE CLASSES REOPEN

John Paul B.Bonifacio

In a pilot approved by President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines will reopen up to 120 schools for limited in-person classes for the pandemic, officials said by President Rodrigo Duterte rejected previous proposals for fear of children contracting COVID-19.

W hile nearly every other country has partially or completely reopened schools for face-to-face instruction, the Philippines has kept them closed since March 2020.

"We have to pilot face-to-face (classes) because this isn't just an issue for education; it's an issue for the children's mental health," presidential spokesman Harry Roque told reporters.

"It's also an issue for the economy because we might lose a generation

Twenty private schools are also eligible to participate.

Classrooms will be open to students in kindergarten through grade six, as well as seniors, but the number of students and hours spent in face-to-face lessons will be limited. Up to a hundred public schools in areas considered "low risk" for virus transmission will be allowed to participate in the two-month trial, according to guidelines approved by Duterte

Schools that wish to participate will be evaluated for readiness and will require permission from local governments to reopen. Parents' written consent will be required. The blended learning program of Department of Education will be maintained, which includes online classes, printed materials, and lessons broadcast on television and social media. if we don't have face-to-face (classes)by Roque

The author is Teacher

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