Teachers' group asks Congress to postpone class opening

A teacher's group, the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC), has appealed to Congress to postpone the opening of classes scheduled for August 24.

The group cited health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and what they perceive as the Department of Education's (DepEd) inadequate preparation for distance learning as reasons for their appeal.

In a letter to House Basic Education Committee Chairperson Roman Romulo, TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas expressed support for continuing education but emphasized the need for the entire system, including families and stakeholders, to be ready for the new normal.

Basas highlighted that some teachers have contracted COVID-19 after performing school-related tasks, while learning modules have yet to be completed.

He also noted that teachers have resorted to fundraising to afford essential materials like paper, ink, and printers for their work.

The TDC believes these issues warrant a postponement of the school opening, especially with Metro Manila's reimposed Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until August 18, which further complicates preparation efforts.