By Gabriela Baron
As the new school year begins this month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged students to get their COVID-19 booster shots.
“Itong buwan na ito, ito na ‘yung pagbalik ng face-to-face classes. Kasabay ng ating pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa ay ang pagbabalik na po ng ating mga mag-aaral sa eskwela,” Marcos Jr. said.
He also assured that Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte is on top of the preparation for the return of in-person classes.
“Hindi man ito ganun kasimple pero kapag tama ang paghahanda ay siguradong magiging matagumpay ito. Una na riyan ‘yung panigurong nakapag-booster shot na ang lahat. Lalong-lalo na ang ating mga kabataan para talagang handa ang pangangatawan nila pagbalik sa eskwela,” Marcos Jr. added.
Citing Department of Health data, Marcos Jr. said 15.9 million Filipinos already got their first booster shot, while only 1.2 million completed their second booster dose.
“Hindi pa ito magandang numero kumpara sa target natin na 100%, kaya hindi tayo magsasawang pakiusapan ang ating mga [local government unit] na mas maging agresibo dito sa kampanyang ito,” he continued.
The new school year will start in August, while full face-to-face classes will resume in November. – ngs
