DepEd stresses the need of 'human interaction' in children's learning as face-to-face classes approved

On Monday night, President Duterte has approved the proposal of the education sector to conduct limited face-to-face classes in areas under the most lenient modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) where there is a low-risk of coronavirus transmission, despite previously declaring that no physical classes will be made if there is no available COVID-19 vaccine.

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The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday mentioned the importance of “human interaction” to children’s overall development following the government’s decision to allow limited face-to-face classes in areas deemed “low-risk” to COVID-19 infection.

"It is important to continue classroom classes even in a limited capacity to help nurture learners as a “complete and whole individual and not (as) a robot,” according to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones.

Briones said that she believed although limited, face-to-face classes should continue because all children grew into human beings.

“Mahalaga ang human interaction na matuto silang makikitungo sa mga kapwa bata, sa teachers, (at) sa mga adults sa loob ng eskwelahan. If you can do this in spite of COVID-19 (even) on a limited scale, then we will have fulfilled our mandate to help nurture a complete and whole individual and not a robot,” [Human interaction is important for them to learn how to deal with their fellow children, with their teachers, (and) with adults within the school. If you can do this in spite of COVID-19 even on a limited scale, then we will have fulfilled our mandate to help nurture a complete and whole individual and not a robot.] she added.

The DepEd chief likewise noted the “very minimal” effect of COVID-19 to children in the country, claiming that only 16 or 0.87% of the country’s total COVID-19 deaths are children. Also, DepED chief added that it might be a blessing that young people are not too affected by coronavirus.

However, Briones noted limited classroom classes will only be permitted starting January 2021 in schools that would fulfill the requirements set by the government which includes strict enforcement of minimum public health standards, coordination with local officials and health authorities, and inspection of school facilities by the National Task Force Against COVID-19.