SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian believes that holding face-to-face classes should no longer be delayed to allow the country to recover from the scarring brought by the pandemic.

Gatchalian cited the result of the Pulse Asia Survey showing an overwhelming preference for children’s participation in face-to-face classes.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture warned  that prolonging online classes will only lead to deeper economic scars due to the alarming learning loss.

Based on the survey commissioned by Gatchalian and conducted on June 24-27, 94 percent of adult respondents agree that children should be allowed to attend face-to-face classes.

“Kung pakikinggan natin ang ating mga kababayan, makikita nating napakalakas ng panawagan para sa pagbabalik ng face-to-face classes. Hindi na natin maaari pang ipagpaliban ang pagbabalik ng ating mga kabataan sa paaralan at hindi na natin dapat hayaang mahuli ang sektor ng edukasyon mula sa pagbangon natin sa pandemya,” the senator said.

The survey results showed a stark contrast with a similar survey conducted in June 2021, where only 44% of respondents agreed on resuming face-to-face classes, while 33% said they cannot say if they agree or disagree, and 23% disagreed.

The Department of Education recently announced that all public and private basic education institutions will shift to full face-to-face classes by November 2.