Public school teachers say remedial classes not necessary

MANILA, Philippines — As local offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) declared a health break amid the surge of COVID-19 cases, public school teachers from Quezon City said makeup classes would not be necessary since the weeklong conduct of asynchronous classes from Jan. 24 to Jan. 29 was enough to catch up with the lessons.

The health break was “much-needed,” said teacher Olivia, noting that most of her students were also getting sick.

The Grade 4 Mathematics teacher herself has been sick since Jan. 12.

She did not get tested for COVID-19. “So far I have been feeling fine,” she said.

On Friday, the DepEd suspended classes in Metro Manila public schools from Jan. 15 to Jan. 22.

To catch up with the suspension, Education Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral said the DepEd was eyeing to hold weekend makeup classes.