THE Anakpawis Partylist expressed its support to the call of various youth groups for the government to actively pursue the gradual reopening of schools and safe resumption of face-to-face classes.
“Different modes of distance learning, including online schooling, have proven to be ineffective in instilling proper education. The government’s inutility is a great injustice to the hope and future of our country,” said Ariel Casilao, Anakpawis president.
The youth have endured unimaginable suffering because of the government’s failure, according to the group.
It added that a great majority of Filipino students still do not have adequate access to gadgets that are necessary for online learning.
Most parents have become unemployed due to the economic crisis as a result of the government’s failed pandemic response, the organization claimed.
Militarization in the countryside has made it difficult for students in the rural areas to attend classes, whether it be through face-to-face classes or distance learning, the group said.
The campaign for the gradual and safe resumption of face-to-face classes is undoubtedly a people’s campaign, the Anakpawis added.
Marginalized groups, especially the toiling masses in the urban centers and countryside, bear the greater burden of this education crisis, it claimed.
“We reiterate our stance that the safe and gradual resumption of face-to-face classes is indispensable to the youth’s right to education,” said Casilao.
Anakpawis reaffirmed its commitment to push for legislation that will pave the way for the gradual and safe resumption of face-to-face classes.
This includes provision for the needs of students and teachers while transitioning to face-to-face classes from distance learning and ensuring that campuses and communities are safe from the intrusion of armed state forces.
“After having forced the youth to spend two years in isolation, it is about time that the Philippine government regard this matter with the utmost urgency,” ended Casilao.