Senator Bong Go proposed to move the opening of classes to October rather than August 24.

As the The Department of Education (DepEd) moved the opening of classes to August 24 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Senator Bong Go proposes to reschedule the opening of classes to October to give teachers, students, education authorities, and learning institutions more time to prepare, based on a report from GMA.

However, amid the pandemic most students will be attending their classes online. During the online senate hearing on Wednesday, DepEd said the printing of modules in 132 of 214 districts is still less than 50%.

Previously, Senators Francis Tolentino and Sherwin Gatchalian had also urged DepEd to postpone the opening of classes to October. They criticized the department for insisting on reopening of classes even in the thick of pandemic. They called for the postponement of classes only in areas under MECQ.

“Umaapela ako sa Executive branch na kung maaari ay i-postpone muna ng ilan pang buwan ang pagbubukas ng klase habang wala pang bakuna sa COVID-19. Huwag nating isugal ang buhay at kaligtasan ng ating mga kabataan,” said Go.

According to the report, Bong Go said the postponement would buy teachers, parents, and students more time to adjust to the “new normal” re-opening of classes amid the pandemic.

“Karamihan sa atin hirap pa mag-transition sa alternative modes tulad ng online transactions at online learning. Ang internet hindi rin reliable, tapos ‘yung offline modes of learning naman pinaghahandaan pa rin…”

“Kung hindi pa handa, huwag nating pilitin. Magiging kawawa ang mga estudyante, kawawa ang mga teachers. Hirap na po ang mga Pilipino, huwag na nating dagdagan pa ng pressure ang mga bata at mga magulang nila,” he added.

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