MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday suggested that the opening of classes in public elementary and high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs) be scheduled in January 2021 amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“In light of the uncertainties and anxieties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am respectfully urging DepEd (Department of Education) and CHED (Commission on Higher Education) to reconsider their declaration of Aug. 24 opening of classes, and consider the following policy proposals in relation to the opening of classes,” he said in a statement.
“Public elementary and high schools to open in January 2021… SUCs to open in January 2021, except graduate schools which may open in August 2020, provided they implement full online courses only,” the former senator said in his list of recommendations.
Trillanes, who previously headed the Senate Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization, and Professional Regulation, suggested that private elementary and high schools should open as scheduled, provided that they implement full online classes only.
Private colleges and universities may also open as scheduled but they should also implement full online courses only and should not hold laboratory classes, said Trillanes.
He added that distance learning and homeschooling should likewise continue as scheduled.
“Congress may pass a joint resolution to this effect to suspend Sec. 3 of RA (Republic Act) 7797,” he added. Section 3 of the said Act states that “the school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August.”
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