HIGH vaccination rate of teachers, students, and parents are needed for physical classes to resume in urban areas, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines said.

COCOPEA Managing Director Joseph Noel Estrada said there are certain considerations before limited in-person learning is allowed in areas like the National Capital Region.

“Depende po, may mga tinitingnan po tayo na mga developments, isa na nga po rito iyong vaccination rate,” Estrada said during the Laging Handa news briefing.

“I think kailangan talaga mataas iyong vaccination rate at lalo na pati doon sa mga estudyante kung sa basic education, sana mataas na rin ang vaccination rates noong 12 to 17-year-old,” he added.

The COCOPEA official noted that Covid19 infections in NCR should not increase especially during the holiday season for physical classes to push through.

He said that private schools have been thoroughly preparing for the conduct of onsite learning particularly.

“Maraming nakaabang na schools na once ma-expand nga ‘yung implementation sa mga ibang regions, lalo na sa may mga urban areas,” Estrada explained.

“Pati sa NCR, may mga ilan nang mga miyembro, mga eskuwelahan na naghihintay na lang na payagan din dahil nga bumaba na ang ating alert level,” he said.

For those that are not yet ready to hold limited in-person classes, Estrada pointed out that various strategies will be used by the private schools.

“Iyong hindi vaccinated will have to continue with online at kung hindi pupuwede silang online hahanap tayo ng paraan para masiguro na ligtas iyong mga estudyante at ibang tao sa eskuwelahan, puwedeng i-require sila ng testing every time they go to school,” he said.