TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas
(Teachers’ Dignity Coalition / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines, in separate statements, warned the government of “bigger disaster” if students and teachers contract COVID-19 due to the pilot testing of face-to-face classes as recommended by DepEd and approved by President Duterte.
“While it’s voluntary, it is still not certain that children, teachers, and parents will be safe if they continue to dry-run for face to face classes,” TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said in Filipino.
Citing studies, TDC noted that children can be “super spreaders” of the virus. The group also pointed out the concerns of teachers. “Even if it is optional for students, it may not be optional for our teachers,” Basas said.