KABATAAN Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel enumerated key programs to ensure the safety and health of education stakeholders participating in face-to-face classes.

These include proper ventilation of learning spaces; on-campus health facilities and supplies; hiring of human resources for health; financial support for private educational institutions to implement safety measures; Covid19 testing program for learners and education personnel and medical fund for free treatment of learners and education personnel.

Manuel said the government needs at least P63.2 billion to fund these programs.

Funding for distance learning needs and compensation of personnel raises the tab to P122.4 billion.

The lawmaker said that mandatory vaccination should not be imposed as a requirement on learners since it is discriminatory.

“Ano pa ang ibang safety measures for school reopening? Well-ventilated na ba ang classrooms? May supply ba ng well-fitting masks? May pondo na ba for free treatment ng mga magkakasakit? Sara Duterte needs to read up on the concrete proposals of this youth representation,” Manuel said.

“We urge DepEd to support the passage of the Safe School Reopening Bill if it is serious in its plans to transition to face-to-face classes,” he added.