ACT TEACHERS Partylist Representative France Castro urged the Department of Education to support schools so they can have enough facilities and can implement minimum health standards during the expanded limited face-to-face classes.

Castro said that the pilot test run from November to December was successful because of the hard work of the teachers, principals and other education support personnel who found ways for schools and facilities to meet the required minimum health standards.

“We welcome the proposal of the DepEd to ‘progressively expand’ the implementation of the limited face-to-face classes in low-risk areas. Face-to-face classes are still the best way for pupils to gain access to quality education. Opening schools in low-risk areas has been long overdue,” Castro said.

“Kasabay ng pagpapalawak ng mga magbubukas na paaralan para sa limited face-to-face classes, isa ring dapat na pinaghahandaan ng DepEd ang kanyang monitoring sa mga guro at mga mag-aaral na may sakit at dapat din ay may sapat na suporta na maibibigay ang DepEd sakaling mayroong teacher o mag-aaral na magkasakit sa Covid19,” she added.

The lawmaker said some important measures for the safe reopening of classes include ensuring that classrooms have better ventilation, air filtration, washing and sanitation facilities.

Vaccination programs also need to be ramped up, and teachers and education support personnel who will participate in face-to-face classes should be given free testing. A medical fund should also be set up for those who will get infected with Covid19.

“Government should ramp up its plans and prepare our schools for the safe reopening of classes to also boost the nation’s confidence and allow the safe reopening of face-to-face classes,” Castro said.