ESTABLISHING POLICIES FOR EDUCATION AND LEARNING IN THE NEW NORMAL

As the country is facing major challenges in education caused by this global pandemic, Senator Win Gatchalian proposes a bill that will establish policies for education and learning in the new normal, prescribing for the purpose standards for the reopening of safe schools and creating the safe schools reopening task force.

For the basic education sector to adapt to the New Normal in education, this bill mandates the preparation of a Safe Schools Reopening Plan (SSRP) in time for the reopening of all public and private basic education schools caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and during or after the occurrence of future calamity, public health emergency, civil unrest, and other emergency or crisis situation that resulted to a massive disruption of classes. The SSRP shall contain well-defined timelines, specific benchmarks, policies, and standards to reopen schools - taking into consideration the best interest of the whole school community and consistent with the country’s health and safety response. For this purpose, the bill proposes to create a National Safe Schools Reopening Task Force (SSRTF) which shall craft the SSRP and issue relevant, harmonized and streamlined policies for its efficient and effective implementation. It shall also provide the overall strategic management of the plan and develop collaboration and convergence mechanisms between and among the implementing agencies. It is also proposed that a Regional SSRTF be created for the efficient and effective implementation of the SSRP in the regions across the country.

To deliver education in the New Normal and ensure continuity of learning, the bill prescribes the development of a hybrid learning system which utilizes both onsite and distance learning, instruction, and evaluation. The Department of Education (DepEd) shall employ all effective forms of distance learning tools, whether digital or traditional, to ensure that no learners, especially the most vulnerable, are left behind. It shall forge partnerships with TV networks and CATV operators to utilize free airtime for its virtual classes as warranted under their respective legislative franchises and RA No. 8370 or the “Children’s Television Act of 1997”. It shall also tap radio stations to allocate time for the free broadcast of educational programs.