‘You can’t lock up kids forever’: Binay backs return of face-to-face classes

MANILA, Philippines — Children could not be locked up forever, so said Senator Nancy Binay as she urged government to reconsider the resumption of face-to-face classes while responding to the persisting threat of the coronavirus disease.

“Let us all be realistic, di pwedeng naka-lockdown at nakakulong ang mga bata forever. Tanggapin na natin na this is the new normal,” Binay said in a statement Tuesday.

(Let us all be realistic, the children cannot on lockdown, and kept locked up forever. Let’s accept that this is the new normal.)

“We’ve already heard first-hand the feedback from parents and teachers that online and modular learnings are not for everyone. Siguro simulan na natin yung pag-balanse sa face-to-face learning at sa pag-address natin sa problema sa COVID,” she added.

(Maybe we can start to balance face-to-face learning while addressing the problems of Covid)

The dry run for face-to-face classes was supposed to start last month but was canceled due to the emergence of the more infectious variant of COVID-19.

Binay said she supports the Department of Education’s (DepEd) plan to conduct the dry run in areas with low-risk or zero-incidence of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), as long as strict health and safety protocols are implemented in school and community levels.

“What’s ironic, pinayagan na natin ang mga bata na lumabas at magbakasyon at pumunta sa malls which are high-risk environments, kaysa sa schools na mas controlled ang setup,” she said.

(What’s ironic is that  we  allowed the kids to go out and go to malls which are high-risk environments, than schools  where the set up is more controlled)

“But let me be clear: DepEd needs to assess the readiness of local schools and LGUs to respond to an emergency case as far as handling or managing a public health situation such as COVID. DepEd can come up with a minimum checklist and see to it that schools and the community are equipped should there be any unexpected eventuality,” Binay also said.

Earlier, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senator Imee Marcos questioned  the government’s decision to prioritize the reopening of  more businesses like movie houses in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ)  over the resumption of face-to face classes.

Other businesses that have been allowed to reopen starting February 15 include driving, video, interactive-game arcades, museums, exhibitions, and limited tourist attractions, such as parks, theme parks, natural sites, and historical landmarks located in GCQ areas.

The reopening of cinemas, however, has been moved to March 1 amid opposition from Metro Manila Mayors and concerns raised by health experts.

EDV