Senator Gatchalian bats for localized class suspensions to curb learning loss

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called for more localized class suspensions as a way to minimize disruptions to education while still ensuring the safety of students and teachers during disasters and severe weather.

Gatchalian said blanket suspensions covering entire school systems or large areas could unnecessarily interrupt classes in schools that remain safe and unaffected by a particular calamity.

“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.

He cited data showing that class suspensions had disrupted face-to-face instruction in various parts of the country for at least 20 weekdays over the past 30 days.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) has also found that schools lost an average of 30 to 50 class days from the 180-day school calendar to suspensions over the past two years.

Gatchalian said authorities should balance the need to protect learners with the need to keep education going in areas that are not affected by disasters.

“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.

His proposal is included in Senate Bill No. 53, or the 21st Century School Boards Act, which seeks to give local school boards responsibility for implementing timely, organized and localized measures for basic education during disasters, calamities and other emergencies.