ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro on Friday expressed disappointment over the  low number of schools that will participate in the pilot run of limited face-to-face classes.

The lawmaker lamented that as long as the government does not give utmost importance to preparations for face-to-face classes, the number of participating schools will continue to drop.

“Hindi na nakakagulat na papaliit nang papaliit ang bilang ng target ng DepEd sa pilot testing ng balik-paaralan dahil na rin sa kakulangan ng paghahanda ng administrasyong Duterte sa ligtas na balik-paaralan ng mga mag-aaral,” Castro said.

She urged the DepEd to ramp up its efforts to ensure that all schools will have proper ventilation, hand-washing facilities, and medical personnel.

Castro said that officials in school division offices should be given the authority to determine if physical classes can be held in their areas based on their assessment.

“Napakalaki na rin ng epekto sa mental health ng mga bata ang remote learning at habang tumatagal na walang face-to-face classes, malaki na ang learning loss, malaki pa ang epekto sa mental health na mag-iiwan ng pangmatagalang epekto sa ating bayan,” she added.

The lawmaker prodded the DepEd to push for a higher budget to ensure that education remains a priority.

“To ensure a successful and safe reopening of schools, the Duterte administration must provide adequate budget and support to the education system,” Castro said.