ACT TEACHERS Party-list Representative France Castro listed important measures to ensure the safe reopening of schools as she welcomed the Department of Education’s push for 100 percent face-to-face classes for School Year 2022-2023.

“We welcome this push from the Department of Education for the 100% face-to-face classes by SY 2022-2023. This is actually long overdue. Our pupils have endured two years of blended distance learning which further worsens the education crisis in the country,” Castro said.

“Face-to-face classes are still the best way for pupils to gain access to quality education,” she added.

Among the important measures are proper classroom ventilation, air filtration, washing and sanitation facilities. Castro also sought the ramping up of vaccination programs, free weekly testing for teachers and education support personnel who will participate in face-to-face classes, mass hiring of school nurses and providing a medical fund for the treatment of those who will get infected with Covid19.

“We hope that this push of the Department of Education will materialize by SY 2022-2023. We urge the government to ensure that the demands for the safe reopening of schools are met,” she said.

“Panahon na para makabalik na ng paaralan ang mga mag-aaral. Hindi na dapat tumagal ng pangatlong taon na ang mga mag-aaral natin ay nakakulong pa rin sa mga module at online distance learning na minimal lang din naman ang kanilang natututunan. Malaki ang nawawala sa pagkatuto ng ating mga kabataan habang tumatagal na hindi sila nakakabalik ng paaralan,” she said.