PTA still OK with face-to-face classes amid rising COVID-19 cases

The National Parent-Teacher Association Philippines (PTA) on Sunday said it is still for the resumption of face-to-face classes despite the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Citing results of the online survey the group conducted, PTA president Willy Rodriguez pointed out that 100% of the respondents already want the resumption of the in-person classes both in private and public schools.

He said this even as the Philippines' active COVID-19 cases on Saturday climbed to 13,021, with 1,825 new infections

“Ituloy na po ang face-to-face classes. Matagal na naming ipinagdadasal na magkaron ng face-to-face. ‘Yung mga kaso ngayon… siguro sa dami ng bakunado ay maaari talagang matuloy na po,” Rodriguez said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.

(Let’s resume face-to-face classes. We have been praying for this. Despite the COVID-19 cases now, maybe this can push through as many are already vaccinated.)

“Wala daw kasing natututunan kapag sa online. Hirap ang mga bata at naapektuhan ang kanilang social life na hindi nakakalabas at walang natututunan,” he added.

(They said that the children learn nothing from online classes. They are having a difficult time and their social life is affected as they cannot go out.)

Currently, COVID-19 vaccination is not required among students who participate in the in-person classes, but they are highly encouraged to do so. 

Meanwhile, former Education Secretary Leonor Briones previously said it is mandatory for school personnel attending face-to-face classes in public institutions to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Rodriguez suggested that unvaccinated students may be separated from the vaccinated one, while unvaccinated teachers may teach on a hybrid setup.

The Department of Education (DepEd) noted that about 38,000 schools are ready for face-to-face classes when the school year 2022–2023 begins in August.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier said that the DepEd is also looking to start face-to-face classes in some schools in September before holding 100% in-person schooling by November. —KG, GMA News