Student welfare in Baguio studied

BAGUIO City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas reminds health concerns must prevail when classes start.

“While the welfare of our students is utmost, that DepEd (Department of Education), Ched (Commission on Higher Education) and Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) need to come up with measures like, study from home scheme through modular paper-based or online to those who have the capacity as not to sacrifice the continuous schooling of the learners. Ito ay kung di pwede ang face to face class despite efforts by schools of coming up with designs for new normal types of classrooms,” Cayabas said.

Cayabas added meetings with school authorities reveal there are schools which can cope with face to face classes provided there are personal protective equipment for each student and teacher.

The alderman, who chairs the committee on education culture, creativity and historical research, said a blended learning can also be implemented by institutions which can provide learners with modules for those without digital connections and online classes for those who have the platforms at their homes.

Cayabas said the proposals are all being studied to give the best options for learners so as not to compromise learning during the health crisis.

However, the councilor added, the anticipated opening of classes on August 24, will be subject to health situations in each area and how to take into consideration of how the pandemic has wakened or progressed to assess if students and teachers are ready to resume classes in whatever platform has been decided.

“We can always adjust the opening of classes and observe the situation, we can decide in July and see if we are indeed ready by August,” Cayabas said.

President Rodrigo Duterte announced in his nationwide address Monday, classes will remain suspended in the country until a vaccine against Covid–19 is made available, adding he would not risk the lives of students without a vaccine.