Grade 2 pupil Danielle B. Santos prepares for her first day of classes in their home in Barangay Tejeros, Makati City, on Monday, October 5, 2020. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The threats of pertussis, or whooping cough, and hot weather have prompted Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian to call for the implementation of the blending learning method in schools.
Gatchalian particularly directed his call to school principals, citing the concerns raised by parents following the resumption of classes after the Lenten break.
“We want to remind school principals that if there are threats to the safety of our students, schools may implement blended learning, especially when we are concerned about the threat of pertussis and hotter weather.” Gatchalian, who heads the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said in Filipino.
“We can continue the education of children while still prioritizing their health and safety.”
Gatchalian pointed out that “modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes” would be allowed in the event of canceled or suspended classes.
All these activities, he said, were provided for under Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 037 s. 2022.
Several local governments have already suspended in-person classes due to the temperature rise.
This Tuesday alone, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration predicted a scorching 44º C in Roxas City, the capital of Capiz province.
Several areas are likewise forecast to experience hot temperatures of 42-43°C, which fall under the danger category.
Meanwhile, the senator called on principals to implement health and safety measures in schools, including promoting good respiratory hygiene and proper and regular hand-washing, to protect learners from pertussis.
The Department of Health has already recorded 40 deaths in the country due to pertussis, a respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria.