ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro urged the Department of Education to prioritize addressing preparedness of school facilities and class sizes for safe face-to-face classes.

Castro also stressed DepEd should not ease social distancing protocols in schools under Alert Level 1.

“Covid19 is still present. Minimum health protocols should not be eased as schools prepare for face-to-face classes in the incoming school year especially when classrooms and school facilities are not adequate for providing safe spaces if social distancing protocols are eased,” she said.

The solon said in order to ensure the safe reopening of classes, the DepEd must provide classrooms that have better ventilation, air filtration, washing and sanitation facilities.

The government must also ramp up vaccination programs for the youth, provide weekly testing for teachers and education support personnel, hire nurses in schools, and provide a medical fund for the treatment of those who will get infected with Covid19.

“Easing physical distancing protocols, even for areas under Alert Level 1 should not be the first step of the education department in the preparation of in-person classes,” Castro further said.

“Imbes na ayusin ang matagal na problema sa masisikip na classroom ng mga mag-aaral, parang shortcut ang ginagawa ng DepEd sa pagluluwag sa pagsunod sa minimum health standard na physical distancing sa loob ng mga paaralan pagdating ng balik-paaralan,” Castro added.

She reiterated face-to-face classes in the country are long overdue and the education crisis is worsening the longer everybody waits.