AN OFFICIAL of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday, August 19, 2022, urged every student to be thankful as they head to the new school year marked by the return of face-to-face classes.
In a radio interview, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE) Chairman Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao said the youth should learn to appreciate that they were able to see the return of physical learning after two years of being restricted to virtual classes.
"We welcome the new school year with so much hope and enthusiasm," said Mangalinao.
"We are hoping that everybody learned from this pandemic times on how important the face-to-face medium of instructions is, and on how valuable it is to see your teachers, classmates, and friends each day," he added.
The prelate also encouraged teachers and non-teaching personnel to take their missions to educate the youth seriously.
He said this is because educating the younger generation must be considered a blessing.
"As we are given another chance to begin again, may we all learn that we are blessed with the gifts of life, faith, and mission," said the bishop.
"I pray that all those involved in the training, formation, and education of our young may take to heart the mission of helping them see the meaning of life by their words and actions," furthered Mangalinao.
School Year 2022-2023 is set to open with the return of face-to-face classes on Monday, August 22.
According to the Department of Education, at least 27 million students have enrolled for the new school year. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)