KABATAAN Partylist Representative Sarah Jane Elago on Thursday reiterated her call to expand the implementation of the pilot face-to-face classes.

The Department of Education earlier announced that 177 more schools will hold limited in-person classes beginning December 6, 2021.

“Baka nga po kaya pa more? This is not only necessary, but long overdue. Malakas na panawagan ng mga kabataan ang ligtas na balik eskuwela at kritikal ang pilot testing para sa mas malawakan na muling pagbubukas ng mga paaralan sa buong bansa mula sa low-risk areas,” Elago said.

“Matagal na ring naghahanda ang mga eskuwelahan para magsagawa ng face-to-face classes at magpatupad ng angkop na hakbang pangkalusugan sa eskuwelahan,” she added.

Elago called on the Senate to provide a separate budget to help schools retrofit their facilities, hire health personnel, and ensure regular Covid19 testing.

“Nanawagan kami sa bicam ng 2022 budget na dagdagan ang pondo para sa pagbubukas ng face-to-face classes, health personnel, WASH or water, sanitation, hygiene facilities, at mga Covid19 mitigation strategies sa schools,” Elago said.

“Dapat ding lagyan ng pondo ang student aid, iba pang ayuda para sa lahat, gayundin ang pagtitiyak ng pagbabakuna at abot-kamay na Covid19 vaccine information para sa estudyante at mga education stakeholders,” she added.

Elago recently filed House Bill 10398 or the Safe School Reopening Bill to fund and fast track the safe opening of schools nationwide.