Children could not be locked up forever, according to Senator Nancy Binay, as she pushed the government to rethink the continuation of face-to-face classes despite the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Let us all face the truth, the children cannot be kept locked up forever. Let us agree that this is the new normal,” the senator said in a statement Tuesday.

”We have already heard experiences from parents and teachers that online and modular learnings are not for everyone, maybe we can start to balance face-to-face learning while addressing the problems of Covid,” Binay added.

The trial for the face-to-face classes was supposed to start last month but was then called off due to a new, more infectious variant of Covid 19. Binay also said that she supports the  Department of Education’s (DepEd) plan to conduct trials in places with very low risk to zero amount of Covid-19 cases, as health and safety protocols are followed in school and communities.

“What is ironic is that we allowed the children to go out and go to malls, which are very high-risk environments, then schools where the set up is more controlled, But let me be clear: DepEd needs to assess the readiness of local schools and LGUs (local government units) to respond to an emergency case as far as handling or managing a public health situation such as Covid,” Binay said.

“DepEd can come up with a minimum checklist and see to it that schools and the community are equipped should there be any unexpected cases, but let me be clear: DepEd needs to assess the readiness of local schools and LGUs to respond to an emergency case as far as handling or managing a public health situation such as Covid. DepEd can come up with a minimum checklist and see to it that schools and the community are equipped should there be any unexpected eventuality”, she added

Earlier, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senator Imee Marcos have expressed apprehension on the government’s decision on prioritizing the reopening of more businesses like theaters in areas under general community quarantine over face-to-face classes. KHALID MANGONDATO