Gatchalian Proposes Localized Class Suspensions Amid Weather-Related Disruptions

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday pushed for more localized learning measures amid prolonged in-person class suspensions due to recent weather disturbances. Gatchalian raised concern over possible learning loss among students because of repeated widespread face-to-face class disruptions. “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 expressed in a statement. Through Senate Bill No. 53, also known as the 21st Century School Boards, the senator seeks to make the local school board establish and decide on “timely, organized, and localized interventions” in delivering basic education amid calamities and other emergencies. He noted that for this month, at least 20 weekdays of in-person classes in several areas across the country were disrupted due to the severe effects of the southwest monsoon, or habagat and recent tropical cyclones. Even areas unaffected by inclement weather were affected because of the system-wide implementation of suspensions, according to him. “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,” he said. (“While we ensure the welfare of our students during calamities, we must also ensure that education continues in safe locations.”) Within the last two years, an average of 30 to 50 class days out of the 180-day school calendar suffered because of suspensions, he cited in a study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education.