Gatchalian proposes localized class suspensions

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday called for more localized learning measures amid the prolonged suspension of in-person classes due to the recent weather disturbances.

“This is concerning. While we know that class suspensions seek to ensure the safety of learners and teachers, widespread disruption of classes can aggravate learning loss,” he said in a statement.

His Senate Bill No. 53, or the proposed 21st Century School Boards, seeks to delegate to the local school boards the “timely, organized and localized interventions” in delivering basic education, amid the continuing calamities brought by the monsoon rains and other emergencies.

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READ: WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions on Friday, Sept. 11 amid habagat rains

Apart from the rains throughout much of August, at least 20 weekdays of in-person classes across the country have been suspended this month alone, due to the severe effects of the recent typhoons as well as the southwest monsoon or habagat.

Even areas unaffected by inclement weather were affected because of the system-wide implementation of class suspensions, Gatchalian said.

“While we ensure the welfare of our students during calamities, we must also ensure that education continues in safe locations,” he said.

Within the last two years, an average of 30 to 50 class days out of the 180-day school calendar have been lost due to class suspensions, Gatchalian said, citing a study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education.—Holly Bacay