Senator Win Gatchalian backs the full resumption of face-to-face classes next academic school year, a move that he says would boost the recovery of the basic education sector from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the full resumption of in-person learning is a first step, Gatchalian maintained the need to implement a massive learning recovery program, noting that the lack of face-to-face classes for two years resulted in learning loss. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has estimated that two years without face-to-face learning would result in P22 trillion in productivity losses.

Gatchalian’s proposed learning recovery program includes well-systematized tutorial sessions for struggling learners. This proposed program will cover the most essential learning competencies under Language and Mathematics for Grades 1 to 10 and Science for Grades 3 to 10. Literacy and numeracy competencies will be given focus for Kindergarten learners to build on their foundational competencies.

The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that as of May 26, there were 34,238 schools nominated to conduct face-to-face classes, 1,174 of which are private schools. Over 33,000 or 73.28% of public schools are already holding in-person classes.

“Matapos ang halos dalawang taon ng pagtugon natin sa mga hamon ng pandemya, napapanahon nang buksan natin ang lahat ng mga paaralan upang makabalik na ang mga mag-aaral. Habang patuloy ang pagbangon ng iba’t ibang sektor, dapat nating tiyaking hindi mapag-iiwanan ang sektor ng edukasyon,” said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

Gatchalian also vowed that when the 19th Congress opens, he will pursue legislation to improve the quality of education and accelerate the sector’s recovery from the pandemic’s impact. Congress has recently ratified the bicameral conference committee on the creation of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), a measure that Gatchalian sponsored.