The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably affected several aspects of the people’s lives – it may be an

economic, financial, political or educational aspect. Talking about the latter aspect, the Department of
Education (DepEd) has already responded their way in this pandemic in which they declared an official
statement regarding on the opening of classes on August 24, 2020. According on its Basic Education
Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), earlier than August 24, having “no face-to-face classes” will be
allowed but if it will be allowed in some areas, it should only limit to 15 to 20 learners in each class.

I understand that DepEd is doing this to ensure the learning of the students but there are some reasons
that they should also consider.

First, face-to-face learning is not that possible without the mass testing because the life of the teachers
and as well as the students are at-risk. Though social distancing will be required but this is not enough to
immediately open classes. According to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) secretary Raymond
Basilio, mass testing should be administered to the employees and the learners before officially opening
the classes because it is endangering the health of at least two million education workers and their
families.

Second, DepEd mentioned alternative modes of learning, like online classes, that may be also a problem
on students from unfortunate families. Not everyone can easily access to the internet especially to those
people who are living in the rural areas, and not everyone has gadgets to ensure the learning on their
online classes.

Lastly, in my own thought, many Filipino families are having a financial crisis due to the “No Work, No
Pay” policy. If classes are about to start with not enough pennies in their pocket, then chances are many
students may result to dropping out of school. Again, not all families are that privileged to get a job right
away in the midst of pandemic.

Education is a necessity but right now, I think it should be “safety first” because opening classes without
proper solution yet will lead to much bigger crisis. When it leads to bigger crisis, the government will
cost again to solve this matter. So for now, it is better to open classes later than August when the
pandemic becomes lessen and when the people are financially stable.

Bibliography
Hernando-Malipot, M. (2020, May 18). Teachers group to gov’t, DepEd: ‘No mass testing, no school
opening’ . Retrieved May 21, 2020, from Manila Bulletin:
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/18/teachers-group-to-govt-deped-no-mass-testing-no-
school-opening/