The Philippine Educators Alliance for Community Empowerment (PEACE) Party-list has backed the call for an academic break for teachers and students in areas experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.
“With many households in the National Capital Region and other high-risk areas being hit with COVID-19, an academic break is the right and compassionate decision.
Several universities and colleges in NCR have already suspended both their online and limited face-to-face classes amid a rise in cases among students, teachers, and staff.
“We hope that the Department of Education (DepEd) will declare this break so that teachers, students, and their families can focus on their health in the meantime,” PEACE party list first nominee and president Marie Paz T. Abante said.
Several universities and colleges in NCR have already suspended both their online and limited face-to-face classes amid a rise in cases among students, teachers, and staff.
Abante urged the DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education to follow the lead of these institutions.
“Having to deal with studies as the virus goes on a rampant streak takes a toll not only on mental health, but on the general well-being of all involved. Maawa sana tayo sa mga guro, estudyante, at iba pang staff,” Abante, a long-time educator, said.
A one or two-week break would help teachers especially and “give them time to breathe and recuperate,” amid survey results showing that more than 50 percent of teachers in Metro Manila have flu-like symptoms.
Until the education department decides to suspend classes, teachers who are ill are forced to respond to their teaching duties, said Abante.
“Our teachers already have a really demanding schedule this year, especially with the upcoming national elections. Pahingahin naman po natin sila,” she added.
The Philippines now has more than 3 million COVID-19 cases, with 32,246 new cases confirmed on Wednesday.
