THE KABATAAN Partylist denounced  the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte rejecting the resumption face-to-face classes, saying that the teachers and students’ welfare are being neglected.

Citing the country’s lack of readiness to implement distance learning, KP National Spokesperson Raoul Manuel insisted that face-to-face classes is still the “most humane” mode of education.

“Huwag magpanggap ang administrasyon na iniisip nila ang kapakanan ng kabataan kung sobrang kupad ng pagbabakuna at ambon lang ang ayuda,” Manuel said.

“Halos walang natutunan ang kabataan sa flexible learning kundi ang katotohanan na bulok ang sistema ng edukasyon sa Filipinas. Dapat nang buksan ang mga kampus sa lalong madaling panahon, pero imposible ito kung hindi popondohan ang mga paaralan para gawing ligtas ang kanilang kampus,” he added.

Duterte on Monday told Education Secretary Leonor Briones that this is not the right time to allow physical classes and that he would not gamble the children’s health especially now that the Delta Covid19 variant poses threat.

The president reiterated that he will only allow the resumption of physical classes once the country achieves herd immunity against Covid19.

Manuel, however, stressed that it would be better for Duterte to step down if he continues to neglect the demand for the safe reopening of classes.

“Panawagan ng partylist ang ligtas na pagbabalik-eskwela ng mga kabataan para mas matiyak ang karapatan sa edukasyon. Bahagi ng panawagang ito ang panukalang House Bill 9494 o Emergency Student Aid and Relief Bill na nais magbigay ng sampung libong pisong ayuda para sa mga estudyante at dropouts,” he said.