NATIONAL Economic and Development Authority Secretary Karl Chua called for the total resumption of face-to-face classes to speed up the country’s economic recovery.

Chua said that the reopening of schools will stimulate business.

He explained that as 40 percent of the population are of school age, the resumption of physical classes will revamp economic activity in transport, dormitories and food stalls, among others.

The reopening of schools can generate P12 billion a week, Chua said. Around P11 trillion is also expected to be recovered from productivity losses.

Learning outcomes will also be increased by 50 percent, he added.

“Under Alert Level 1, children are allowed to engage in leisure and recreational activities for all indoor and outdoor venues, but the most important activity of children – going to school and learning fully – continues to be restricted,” the NEDA chief said.

The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education allowed schools to resume physical classes if these have high vaccination rates and have the permission of local government units.