SENATOR Bong Go called on the Department of Education, schools and other educational institutions to adhere to President Duterte’s directive of postponing face-to-face classes until a Covid19 vaccine becomes available in the country.

Go, vice-chair of the Senate finance committee, said while he expressed support on the budget proposal of the department, he stressed the importance of ensuring the health and safety of the students, teachers, and wider community as the pandemic continues to plague the nation.

“Ang pera naman po ay kikitain ‘yan, pero ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay na mawawala. Huwag nating pilitin kung hindi pa kaya. Mas lalong dadami ang mga magpopositibo na kaso kung hindi natin paghahandaang mabuti ang pagbabalik ng mga guro at mag-aaral sa eskwelahan,” he said.

Go, however, agreed the education of the students can no longer be put on a standstill and urged DepEd and other concerned authorities to exert more effort in further improving the digital educational system while face-to-face classes remain prohibited.

The good senator commended DepEd’s efforts, but urged its endeavors remain flexible and adaptable to the different needs and situations of their students.

He also reminded the department to ensure that schools are ready for the opening of classes on October 5 through a blended learning system.

Furthermore, he commended DepEd for recognizing the pandemic’s mental toll on people, and for taking the necessary steps to address the needs and concerns of the students, their parents, and the teaching and non-teaching personnel.

According to Go, psychological concerns must be taken into consideration when drafting programs and policies for the upcoming school year.

On that note, the senator asked teachers to focus on their goal of educating students and refrain from putting unnecessary pressure as he expressed empathy for the challenges learners are facing, adding that he too, is not immune from experiencing unreliable internet connection.

“Let us not pressure our children learners, if possible, huwag po muna natin silang ibagsak dahil talagang ‘yung iba po ay pressured, minsan pumupunta po sa bundok makakuha lang po ng signal, lalong-lalo na po kapag hindi sila nakakasagot dahil walang signal,” Go pointed out.

“Kawawa naman po sila, napi-pressure po ‘yung bata. Malaking epekto po iyon sa kanila. Ang importante po, walang masayang na taon. Ang importante po matuto sila,” said Go.

He also lamented about poor internet connectivity, urging private internet providers to improve their services.

“Ako nga rin po… hirap din po sa paghanap ng signal para sa internet. Minsan kinakailangan pang lumabas ng bahay para gumanda or umayos ang koneksiyon,” Go admitted. “Ito po sana ang iniiwasan natin para sa ating mga kabataan na lumabas pa, at doon po posibleng makakuha sila ng sakit kapag sila ay lumabas na.”

“Sa lahat po ng internet providers, kung gusto ninyo talagang tumulong, ngayon na po, ayusin ninyo po ang inyong mga internet connectivity,” the senator appealed.