ILOILO – The prolonged conduct of distance learning due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may adversely affect students’ mental health.
This was according to first district Rep. Janette Garin who recently convened the mayors and barangay captains of the 1st District.
Garin said COVID-19 vaccination, especially of the elderly population, is one silver lining to students’ education.
“Students also need social life, so when parents and senior citizens are vaccinated, their children and students will also be protected,” Garin said.
“[With the vaccines], I think, it would be safe to resume face-to-face classes,” she added.
Garin said face-to-face learning is important because “a lot of students found it hard to grasp their lessons through virtual or online learning.”
“Ang pag–eskwela sang mga bata is not all about learning,” the congresswoman stressed. “We also teach them social interaction.”
Garin pointed out that connection with teachers and other students was one of the facets of education.
“We don’t want the future generation mangin aloof mag interact sa iban nga tawo of their experience now,” she added.
Moreover, Garin said holding of face-to-face classes would help boost economy.
“If there are classes, vendors in schools can have income; there are buyers of school supplies; there is employment for drivers, helpers and teachers, too,” she said.
It was also learned that only “about 20 percent” of the residents of the first district are willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Garin, together with the local chief executives, are urging their constituents to support all government vaccination information programs.
The first district of Iloilo consists of the towns Oton, Guimbal, Tigbauan, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, Igbaras, and Tubungan./PN
