Solon calls for academic health break in all school levels

Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago. (Photo by GABRIEL PABICO LALU / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is urging the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement a health break in all educational institutions in light of the Omicron variant surge and the recent calamities that hit the country.

Under House Resolution No. 2444 filed by Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, the lawmaker pointed out the rising COVID-19 cases which placed the country under critical risk classification for transmission.

Elago also underscored the impact of Typhoon Odette, the strongest typhoon to hit the country in 2020, that ravaged several parts of the Philippines.

“Compassion and humanity dictates that easing of the academic load is necessary to help students and members of faculty and education support personnel in these difficult times,” Elago said in the resolution.

As the country reels from a global health crisis and its social and economic impacts, DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, CHED commissioner Popoy De Vera, and President Rodrigo Duterte should immediately take action now more than ever to assist students and teachers,” she added.

DepEd has suspended classes in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon in light of the rising COVID-19 cases.

Elago likewise filed House Resolution No. 2443 urging the CHED, DepEd, and other national agencies to extend compassion to education stakeholders affected by Typhoon Odette and implement measures to assist in the rehabilitation of affected areas.

“Several student groups have already joined forces and called for unities with respective school administrators for a more humane and inclusive approach to disaster response, and called for time to focus on recovery and rehabilitation, instead of mechanically carrying on, and have forwarded several demands,” Elago said.

“These demands include the immediate conclusion of the semester and the implementation of a ‘no fail’ and ‘no forced drop’ policy, in order to ease the academic burden for the semester and give them time to genuinely recuperate,” she added.

EDV