KABATAAN Partylist Rep. Sarah Jane Elago filed a resolution urging the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education to ensure an adequate structural and fiscal support for the gradual and safe resumption of face-to-face classes.

In her House Resolution 2000, Elago also urged the Department of Budget and Management to earmark funds for the provision of student aid for those in need and sufficient budget for the gradual and safe resumption of classes.

At the same time, the solon is also pushing for the House of Representatives to express its sense that respective heads of education should focus on ensuring the best interests of its stakeholders instead of dismissing sound and legitimate proposals.

Elago noted in her resolution that there have been several efforts by the youth and students to make their concerns known, such as mobilizations, petition signing, and lobbying for gradual and safe resumption of classes.

However, the solon stressed that CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera declared that flexible learning will be here to stay as a new normal in the educational sector.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones, meanwhile, easily acquiesced to President Duterte’s recent declaration disallowing the safe and gradual resumption of face-to-face classes in the basic education sector.

“These recent actions of the heads of education alongside the general policy framework of the Duterte administration, evinces a clear lack of concern for the welfare of Pilipino students and youth in general,” Elago stressed in her resolution.