TO MINIMIZE the long-term effects of the pandemic on education, President Rodrigo Duterte is studying the proposal to resume the pilot testing of face-to-face classes in areas where the risk of Covid19 is low.

“It will really depend kung gaano karami na po ang gustong makita ni Presidenteng nabakunahan na pero ngayon po, medyo marami-rami na rin pong nabakunahan natin,” Palace Spokesman Harry Roque said.

“Let’s just say na siguro tinitingnan ni Presidente kung mayroon nang enough confidence na magsimula ng pilot. If the pilot test for in-person classes pushes through, it will be limited to areas with low Covid19 cases,” he added.

Roque said it is best to wait for the Department of Education to submit a new proposal to conduct pilot testing of in-person classes.

“I’m sure in the next Cabinet meeting si Secretary Leonor Briones may again recommend the implementation nitong pilot face-to-face classes. Hintayon po natin muli ang magiging rekomendasyon ng Department of Education at magiging aksiyon ng ating Presidente,” he said.

The pilot testing was previously suspended because of the surge in Covid19 cases.

Based on a survey conducted by DepEd, Briones earlier said “more than 50 percent” of students are in favor of attending in-person classes.

She added that “a significant portion of teachers” also want to hold limited face-to-face classes while parents remain undecided on the matter.

The education chief reiterated that prolonged school closures have an impact on the psychosocial welfare of students.