Duterte Will Not Allow Schools to Start Without Vaccine Against COVID-19
The Department of Education Secretary has announced during the first week of May that school may start this August 24, 2020. However, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said last Monday night that he will now allow schools. He is not in favor for the school year 2020-2021 unless vaccine against COVID-19 is available.
School Year 2020-2021
Last May 7, 2020, Department of Education announced to start Classes on August. Despite the pandemic, DepEd Secretary said that the enrollment can start on June 1, 2020. President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the IATF to move the opening of classes for school year 2020-2021 to September, but DepEd maintained that it was eyeing August for class opening. Depending in the region, the classes will happen either virtually or physically.
I will not allow the opening of classes na magdikit-dikit iyang mga bata na ‘yan. Bahala na hindi na makatapos… Unless I am sure that they are really safe… Para sa akin, bakuna muna,” Duterte said in his weekly public address taped yesterday Monday night.
(I will not allow the opening of classes where the kids will be beside each other. No one will go to school unless I am sure they are really safe. There has to be a vaccine first.)
Wala nang aral, laro nalang, unless I’m sure that they are really safe,” Duterte noted.
(No more classes, only play time, unless I’m sure that they are really safe.)
Vaccine Against COVID-19
President Duterte might have agreed to open classes on September, but he is still against the start of classes unless vaccine is available. As of April 17, 2020, Duterte announced the reward of 50 Million pesos to anyone who can find a vaccine for COVID-19. He also hinted to raise the reward to 100 Million pesos; to motivate others.
I am raising the bounty to P 50 million…because it is a collegial thing,” Duterte said.
“Baka sa ligaya ko another P50 million. Kung maligaya ako
masyado e di P100 (million), puro kayo milyonaryo. Huwag kayo mahiya tanggapin.”
(Maybe, I’ll add another P50 million. If I am happy enough then it’s P100 (million),
then all of you will become millionares. Do not be shy.)
