SENATOR Nancy  Binay on Wednesday called on the government to ensure that all school staff are fully vaccinated and that schools are compliant with safety protocols even before the planned implementation of full face-to-face classes in November.

“As a parent, siyempre, before na mag-full face-to-face sa November, gusto rin natin ‘yung mga teacher at support staff ay bakunado at may booster, trained sila for the new normal, ‘yung classrooms are well-ventilated, health and safety protocols are strictly implemented, maayos ang spacing ng mga estudyante, may tubig at sabon sa wash areas at CR. Ibig sabihin, by September, schools must be ready and compliant,” Binay said.

She added that the necessary testing protocols must be in place to ensure the safety of teachers and students.

“Dagdag pa siguro, DepEd must see to it that our teachers and students have the necessary support from the government in terms of testing, na ‘pag may suspected cases or symptoms sa school, free testing and treatment are extended to them,” Binay said.

The senator also urged the Department of Health to hasten the giving of booster shots to learners.

“‘Yung DOH sana, habang nasa bakasyon ang mga bata, i-fast track na nila ang pagbibigay ng booster shots sa 12-17 at doon sa mga younger learners in time for the phasing-in in September,” she said.

She also asked the local government units to help the Department of Education identify schools that are 100% ready for in-person classes.

“Kailangan ng DepEd na ma-assess ang readiness ng mga private and public schools kung may minimum itong kakayanan to handle a public health situation—na hindi lamang naka-sentro sa Covid—at nakaantabay din ang LGU kung sakaling kailangan ng ayuda,” she added.