THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers denounced the decision of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to continue blended learning in some areas, stressing that it was an admission of the country’s “dire state of educational system.”

“It highlights the failure to address classroom and teacher shortages for the longest time would not even allow us to bring all our students back to school without compromising their health and safety, especially in urban areas, despite the urgent need for face-to-face instructions,” Vladimer Quetua, chairperson of ACT Philippines, said.

The President said he prefers in-person classes but admitted that issues on internet connectivity, the increasing number of Covid19 cases and availability of classrooms and teachers might affect the conduct of physical learning.

Quetua said that the government should have an “effective and comprehensive plan” to provide the needs for blended learning.

“The blended learning set up should also be clear as temporary because it has been proven that for the last two years this type of distance learning modalities is not effective especially for young learners,” he said.

The Department of Education wants all public and private schools to shift to five days in-person classes per week starting November.

Meanwhile, Queta said that they wanted Marcos to lay out his plans to address the shortages of classrooms and teachers in his first State of the Nation Address.

“We also want to see if President Marcos would prioritize these concerns in his first 100 days,” he said.

Quetua urged the Chief Executive to ensure the health and safety of teachers and school employees and to provide them aid amid the economic crisis.