Senate President Win Gatchalian has called for more localized and targeted class suspensions amid recurring weather-related disruptions, warning that prolonged interruptions to face-to-face learning could worsen learning loss.
Gatchalian said classes should continue in schools and areas that remain safe, instead of imposing blanket suspensions across entire school systems.
“This is concerning. While we know that class suspensions seek to ensure the safety of learners and teachers, widespread disruption to classes can aggravate learning loss,” he said.
Over the past 30 days, weather-related class suspensions disrupted face-to-face learning in various parts of the country for at least 20 weekdays. A study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) also found that schools lost an average of 30 to 50 class days from the 180-day school calendar to class suspensions over the past two years.
“Bagama’t tinitiyak natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga mag-aaral tuwing may kalamidad, kailangan din nating tiyaking magpapatuloy ang edukasyon sa mga ligtas na lugar,” Gatchalian said.
Under his proposed 21st Century School Boards Act (Senate Bill No. 53), Gatchalian seeks to empower local school boards to implement timely, organized and localized interventions in basic education delivery during disasters, calamities and other emergencies.
