AMID widespread class suspensions caused by persistent monsoon rains, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called for stronger institutional support for teachers, warning that the burden of make-up classes should not rest solely on their shoulders.

In a statement, Gatchalian emphasized the need to protect both educators and the quality of learning as schools implement catch-up measures to recover lost instructional time.

“If make-up classes are necessary to compensate for class suspensions, teachers must not bear the burden alone,” the senator said.

“They need adequate teaching materials, clear guidance, and protection from additional workload. These efforts should align with learning recovery programs like the ARAL Program,” he added.

Gatchalian cautioned that the education sector cannot achieve meaningful recovery if teachers are overwhelmed or under-resourced.

“Remember: there is no learning recovery if our teachers are exhausted and lack the necessary tools. Let’s equip them to succeed — because supporting teachers means supporting the future,” he stressed.

A consistent advocate of education reform, Gatchalian reiterated that addressing the education crisis requires comprehensive and sustained support for the country’s education frontliners.

“If we truly want to overcome the learning crisis, we must give our full support to our teachers — the backbone of our education system,” he said.

His remarks come as schools across the country grapple with disruptions caused by heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm Crising.

Education officials have proposed make-up classes to help students stay on track with the school calendar, prompting renewed calls to ensure such efforts do not place added strain on already overburdened teaching personnel.