STRESSING that the distance learning modality, a combination of online and modular learning, is not effective at all, Senator Francis Tolentino pushed for the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes in low-risk island provinces.

Tolentino said students and teachers face difficulties because of poor internet connection.

He proposed the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes for School Year 2021-2022 that will start in September.

The senator stressed that island provinces such as Guimaras, Biliran, Batanes, and Camiguin which have low or zero Covid19 infection rate should be allowed by the national government to resume face-to-face classes while abiding with existing minimum health protocol guidelines by the Inter-Agency Taskforce.

Tolentino said there should be selected areas where face-to -face classes are allowed. Schools, he said, should not solely rely on blended learning.

“It should not be a total online-hybrid modality… it won’t work, it never works,” he said.

Tolentino believed that the learning accumulation of pupils really went down considering the questionable effectiveness of distance learning.

He added that since some teachers have been vaccinated, the national government should explore the possibility of allowing the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes in those safe and low-risk areas.