“It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.”
This according to Quezon City 5th District Councilor Karl Castelo, when asked for comment about the recent pronouncement of the President about postponing the pilot-testing of face-to-face classes, during a book distribution project in his district.
The Department of Education (DepEd) had earlier proposed the pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes in 1,904 schools from 126 school divisions in several areas in the country.
“I completely agree with the decision of the President to hold in abeyance the conduct of face-to-face classes, even if it is merely on a pilot-testing mode. Higit sa lahat ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng mga estudyante, mga guro, at ang kanilang mga pamilya,” said Castelo, who is on his third and last term as Councilor.
“Bakuna bago eskwela. Life comes first.“
“Bakuna bago eskwela. Life comes first. As for education, we have to make adjustments and arrangements, no matter how difficult and challenging,” added Castelo.
“As for education, we have to make adjustments and arrangements, no matter how difficult and challenging.”
The arrival of the vaccines in the country was stalled by a crucial requirement that has not yet been complied with: an indemnification law that provides for an indemnification fund.
President Rodrigo Duterte has certified as urgent the passage of the bills filed in both houses of Congress regarding this necessary legislation and it is expected to be signed into law soon. The House of Representatives, on Monday, February 22, 2021, passed the bill on third and final reading. The Senate is expected to follow suit soon.
The bill proposes the creation of a Covid-19 national vaccine indemnity fund worth PHP500 million to compensate any person inoculated through the Covid-19 vaccination program, in case of death, permanent disability or hospitalization confinement for serious adverse events.
“I respectfully call on our Senators and the members of the House of Representatives to immediately pass this required measure. Kayo po ang magkukumpleto sa kakulangan; nasa inyo po ang huling hakbang para maabot natin ang byahe sa bakuna,” urged Castelo.