Still under GCQ: Should classes resume?

By Nimfa Estrellado Straight Talk June 3, 2020 Many people have expressed concerns about how classes will resume under General Communit...

By Nimfa Estrellado
Straight Talk
June 3, 2020


Many people have expressed concerns about how classes will resume under General Community Quarantine (GCQ). How the economy of the local government recover. How coronavirus disease end. And how the Philippines normalized. Others said very few students would enroll in the classes of opening in August. There's no fund to support tuition fees and the most significant thing was the high risk of infection.

Some parents can not afford tuition fees for online classes or homeschooling scheme. That would only add to the burden on many families affected by the crisis. Why put the lives of students and teachers at risk when I'm sure they're getting a half-baked education. The fear of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and gadgets beyond the reach of the poor is more than enough to hinder learning.



The children's education will certainly continue. Will the DepEd bring face-to-face classes or blended learning during this pandemic? The government has been very indecisive. How can we send our children if they don't have any money to pay for tuition fees? No work, no pay, no remittances, and no government financial help.

The schools in the area that are still under GCQ will use blended learning modules to teach the students.



Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte does not allow the opening of classes until a coronavirus vaccine developed but schools can open Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Twitter.

"If standards are not met, best to wait for a vaccine." he added.

According to DepEd, only remote enrollment allowed. Any physical interaction prohibits at school in the first two weeks of June.

Who is the parent who will enroll their child in such a situation? So what if the child can't go to school as long as they're safe. It's not like the government and DepEd thinking about it.

Some public officials have considered investing to ensure the safety of the children.

The need to set up hand washing facilities in every school is essential. The barangay basketball courts can be an alternative learning center. It will allow for social distances in schools. Investment for free WIFI and computers should also be installed in the province.

The government should conduct target testing for the schools all the time to control possible infections in the school premises.

The provision of mass transportation for students to reduce the risk of exposure to the pandemic and any other accidents are also needed.