Senator Gatchalian proposed limited face-to-face classes in areas with no reported COVID-19 transmission.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian proposed that limited face-to-face classes be allowed in areas with no reported COVID-19 transmission.
This, as Gatchalian — chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture — said that he sought no reason why limited face-to-face classes can’t be allowed if businesses can now operate in limited capacities.
Gatchalian also said that holding these “purok” (district) workshops could help address persisting distance learning woes.
The senator added that students won’t only receive proper guidance from teachers but also meet their need for social interaction by mounting these little workshops in low-risk areas, especially those areas with no reported COVID-19 transmission.
In addition, Gatchalian said that students haven’t been able to do any social interaction since the implementation of lockdown measures last March.
Based on the map of the University of the Philippines’ tracker, there were less than 500 municipalities that have zero COVID-19 cases as of November 7, 2020.
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The senator also pointed out that internet connectivity remained problematic for students and teachers during the time of distance learning.
Some subjects were still difficult to understand without the guidance of a teacher even if distributing self-learning modules (SLMs) was an available option for public school learners.
Gatchalian also said that not all parents or guardians were capable of guiding students in their lessons.
Moreover, the senator said that it’s imperative that authorities made sure that minimum health standards — physical distancing, wearing of masks, disinfecting, and proper hygiene — should be strictly observed in these small gatherings.
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