KABATAAN Partylist Representative Sarah Jane Elago urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to include student aid and the funding for the safe and phased reopening of schools in the General Appropriations Bill.

In her letter to Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, Elago batted for substantial public funding for the Filipino youth legislative agenda.

“This youth representation has likewise joined students and stakeholders calling for #10kStudentAid or education aid, #LigtasNaBalikEskwela or safe, phased reopening of schools, limited face-to-face classes, and other #WalangIwanan inclusive mechanisms to leave no student behind,” she said.

Elago stressed that the country is facing a major learning crisis and the prolonged school closures and lockdowns have affected learning and teaching.

“It has taken a toll on learners and teachers’ mental health and total well-being. Not everyone has conducive learning and teaching spaces at home. Children have suffered immensely from learning loss,” she said.

Aside from education aid and safe reopening of schools, Elago also sought the restoration of budget cuts that will affect the operating expenses and personnel services of state universities and colleges, public hospitals and health care system.

“We have high hopes that the collective aspirations of the youth and the people for the promotions of health, education, jobs, and rights would be placed first and foremost in the 2022 national budget,” she added.