SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday urged the National Task Force Against Covid19 and the local government units to work with schools in the roll out of the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture said working with schools will help identify, organize and monitor learners who are eligible to receive the Covid19 jab.

The Department of Education plans to expand the implementation of limited face-to-face classes this month by including more grade levels.

However, vaccinated learners will be given preference for in-person learning.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of reopening schools and resuming face-to-face classes, noting that the continuous school closure will scar both the education sector and the economy.

“Vaccinating eligible learners against Covid19 can help mitigate the risk of infection and boost parents’ confidence in sending their children back to school,” the lawmaker added.

The senator said that all eligible learners should receive their Covid19 vaccines.

“Napapanahon ang pagbabakuna sa mga batang 5 hanggang 11 ang edad, lalo na’t patuloy ang ating pagsisikap na palawigin ang ating face-to-face classes. Mahalaga ito upang maprotektahan mula sa hawaan at pagkakasakit, hindi lamang ang ating mga mag-aaral kundi pati na rin ang kanilang mga guro at mga pamilyang nakapalibot sa kanila,” Gatchalian said.

The  government started vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 on Monday in the National Capital Region.