SENATOR Win Gatchalian on Friday  called for stronger healthcare support for teachers, saying this will help ensure the success of distance learning.

Addressing the concerns of teachers is the best and most meaningful way to celebrate National Teachers’ Month which culminates on October 5, the senator said.

Gatchalian reiterated that addressing the health care needs of teachers should be a top priority. They should be assured of healthcare support, including coverage for hospitalization, medication, and treatment, should they test positive for Covid19.

Without such assurance, he warned that teachers will lack confidence to perform their duties and this might adversely affect the Education department’s Learning Continuity Plan.

The Department of Education earlier said that while its 2020 budget does not have allocation for Covid19 treatment, teachers and non-teaching staff are covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation like all government employees.

Gatchalian urged DepEd to formalize a partnership with the state insurer in putting up a special lane for teachers.

The senator said it is crucial to finalize and roll out these partnerships before the opening of classes.

He pointed out that since teachers will be distributing self-learning modules, they are vulnerable to infection.

“Nakita natin ang malasakit nila sa mga estudyante at pagmamahal sa kanilang propesyon. Mayroon pa sa kanilang gumagasta mula sa sariling bulsa upang may maipambili lang ng ilang kagamitan para sa blended learning. Nararapat lamang na magbigay-pugay tayo sa mga guro ngayong National Teachers’ Month,” said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

“Ang mga guro ay parang mga sundalong ipadadala natin sa digmaan. Kung hindi natin sisiguruhin ang kanilang kaligtasan, mawawalan sila ng kumpyansa at hindi tayo magtatagumpay sa pagpapatupad ng distance learning,” he added.

Gatchalian also sought the smooth distribution of cash assistance to displaced teaching and non-teaching personnel from public and private schools, which is mandated under Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan 2.