SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday urged local government units to allow schools in their areas to conduct limited face-to-face classes as Covid19 cases continue to decrease.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture  pointed out that millions of learners have yet to return to school since physical classes were suspended in March 2020.

“Ngayong binubuksan na natin ang ating ekonomiya, hindi na rin natin dapat ipagpaliban pa ang pagkakaroon ng limited face-to-face classes sa lahat ng ating mga paaralan. Ang aking panawagan sa mga LGUs: pahintulutan na natin ang mga paaralan na magsagawa ng limited face-to-face classes upang masimulan ang pagbangon ng ating sektor ng edukasyon,”  Gatchalian said.

Schools that have not resumed face-to-face classes are still waiting for the concurrence of their respective local government units.

As of March 5, 6,406 schools, including 130 private schools, have resumed limited face-to-face classes.

According to the National Economic Development Authority, the expansion of face-to-face classes will add P12 billion per week to the economy.

The additional economic output will come from the resumption of business and services near schools like transportation, dormitories, food stalls and the sale of school materials.