SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for allowing the conduct of limited face-to-face classes, saying it is a significant step in restoring normalcy.

“I thank the President for allowing the dry run of limited face-to-face classes in areas with minimal risk of Covid19,” Gatchalian said.

“This is a significant step forward in our efforts to restore normalcy in our education sector and address the impact of prolonged school closures, including learning and productivity losses,” he added.

The chairman of the Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture  stressed that the public should keep in mind that Covid19 remains a nationwide threat.

“That is why we need to ramp up efforts to keep our schools safe for our learners, their parents, teachers, and personnel. These include the strict enforcement of public health protocols such as physical distancing, wearing of masks, and installing adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities,” Gatchalian said.

Local government units, he added, should be equipped with strong surveillance and contact tracing systems.

“If we want to open more of our schools, then we have to assure parents that their children will be safe. That is why aside from vaccinating our teachers, the crucial next step is opening our Covid19 vaccination program to our minors aged 12-17,” he said.

“Mahalagang matuto tayo kung paano natin mabubuksan nang ligtas ang ating mga paaralan. Dapat tiyakin nating hindi mapag-iiwanan ang mga kabataan pagdating sa edukasyon,” the lawmaker pointed out.