Senators are alarmed over the possible impact of the non-resumption of limited face-to-face classes and prolonged distance learning modality on learners.
During the Senate hearing on Wednesday, it was floated that the Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia which remains close on the possible physical reopening of schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have to make sure that government through DepEd is addressing those consequences and we have the funds and mechanisms to mitigate or eliminate those consequences. We’re hoping that by August, we’ll have some form of face-to-face classes,” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian advised.
Some legislators favor the opening of schools considering the number of COVID-19 cases, saying that this should have taken place even before the opening of malls, cinemas, and gaming arcades.
Based on studies of the Philippine Pediatric Society, the rate of transmission is lower among children aged 10 to 14 years-old with 48 percent chance of not getting infected compared to individuals aged 20 and older.
“Children and adolescents have lower susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 compared to adults generally,” Dr. John Andrew T. Camposano revealed.
The prolonged non-implementation of face-to-face classes where there is no physical interaction can also result in “learning loss.”
Meanwhile, some schools are already putting measures in place in case physical classes will resume, including limiting class size and the establishment of isolation rooms and handwashing stations. – Report from Eunice Samonte
