OPEN THE SCHOOLS | More parents want face-to-face classes for children, says group

July 15, 2022 , 11:21 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(July 15, 2022) – Many parents prefer that their children attend face-to-face classes instead of staying in remote learning, the National Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) Philippines said on Thursday.

PTA president Willy Rodriguez said they conducted an internal survey involving 3,000 parents to know their position on the issue. He noted that only 1% was against the in-person classes.

“It’s been a while na talagang we are pushing for face-to-face classes,” said Rodriguez on One PH’s Sa Totoo Lang. “Nagpapasalamat kami kay Vice President Sara (Duterte-Carpio), tinuldukan na at nagbigay na siya ng takdang araw at petsa kung kailan dapat simulan ang full face-to-face classes.”

On Tuesday, the Department of Education (DepEd), which is also led by Duterte-Carpio, announced that the start of the next academic year will be on August 22. School officials will implement a gradual resumption of face-to-face classes before its full implementation on November 2. Both public and private schools are covered by the directive.

But the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines was against the policy, preferring a hybrid setup. It also stressed that parents are worried about the limited public transportation and rising COVID-19 cases.

Teachers are also preparing for the expected congestion of students, a problem that has been haunting the public school system for decades now.

Rodriguez, however, has remained confident that the preparations undertaken by the DepEd and the schools will be enough to address the concerns.

“Naglalagay sila ng tatlong klase sa isang araw. ‘Yan ang isa sa solusyon sa sinasabing school (classroom) shortage,” said Rodriguez.

More than 27.2 million students enrolled in basic education during the previous academic year, but the figure would likely increase in the upcoming school year. Many students from private schools have reportedly transferred to public schools during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic after the learning modality shifted online.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition has asked to postpone the reopening of classes to a later date because teachers, who have also been clamoring for higher pay and more benefits, haven’t taken a break yet. Rodriguez is hopeful that the DepEd would consider this plea.

He also acknowledged the learning gap was worsened by the COVID-19 crisis. But he said the PTA is looking for alternative ways to help children who may be behind in their lessons.

“‘Yan ‘yung isa talagang tinututukan ng pansin,” said Rodriguez. “Merong programang pinu-push ang magulang na magkaroon ng after-school volunteerism. ‘Yung aming PTA will teach other kids. Puwedeng magturo sa ating mga estudyante para mapalakas ang maayos ang ating kakulangan sa pagbasa.”

He also raised the possibility of studying the four-day school week to help lessen the costs for parents.

“Very advantageous din ‘yun (base) sa aking nabasa. Siguro dapat pag-aralan ‘yung ginagawa ng ibang bansa na merong four-day classes instead of five-day classes,” said Rodriguez.

(PM)

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