SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday lauded the Department of Education for the successful return of full in-person classes, a move that he said is crucial to the recovery of the basic education sector from the impact of the Covid19 pandemic.

“Matapos ang mahigit dalawang taon ng pagpapatupad ng distance learning, sa wakas ay nakabalik na ang ating mga mag-aaral sa full face-to-face classes. Hindi magiging posible ito kung hindi dahil sa ating mga guro, school heads, mga superintendent, at pati na kooperasyon ng mga magulang,” Gatchalian said.

The senator backed the optional wearing of face masks in schools, saying that it will help restore normalcy after more than two years of distance learning.

He, however, noted that schools should continue to enforce mitigation measures against the virus such as ensuring proper ventilation, installing adequate handwashing facilities and promoting vaccination.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier released Executive Order No. 7 which allowed the voluntary wearing of masks in indoor and outdoor spaces except in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles and public transportation by land, sea, and air.

Gatchalian also highlighted the importance of implementing genuine learning recovery to mitigate learning loss.

He filed Senate Bill 150 or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Act to institute a national learning intervention program that will include well-systematized tutorial sessions and well-designed remediation plans.

The proposed ARAL Program ensures that learners will have optimal instructional time to master essential competencies and make up for learning loss. The ARAL program will also prioritize Reading to develop the critical and analytical thinking skills of learners.

For Kindergarten learners, the ARAL program will focus on building foundational competencies aimed at strengthening their literacy and numeracy.