GATCHALIAN WARNS OF LEARNING LOSS AMID WEATHER-RELATED CLASS DISRUPTIONS

SENATE President Win Gatchalian urged more localized and targeted class suspensions instead of blanket, system-wide declarations, emphasizing the need to prevent learning loss amid repeated weather-related disruptions to face-to-face instruction.

“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,” Gatchalian said, noting that classes should be allowed to continue in unaffected schools or areas. 

During the last 30 days, class suspensions disrupted face-to-face learning in various parts of the Philippines for at least 20 weekdays. A study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) also found that in the last two years, an average of 30 to 50 class days out of the 180-day school calendar were lost due to class suspensions.

“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. 

Under the 21st Century School Boards Act (Senate Bill No. 53) Gatchalian is also proposing to make local school boards responsible for timely, organized, and localized interventions in the delivery of basic education in times of disasters, calamities, and emergencies.