Rody: No Vaccine, No Face-To-Face Classes

President Duterte is not in favor of opening schools until a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is developed, with his spokesman clarifying that he was referring to face-to-face classes that cannot be held while the country is under community quarantine.

- Alexis Romero

It’s unclear if this would mean the postponement of the Aug. 24 target for the opening of the school year in public schools, as only 48 percent of the system reportedly has access to the internet for online learning.

In a public address late Monday night, Duterte said he could not allow students to go to school until he is sure that they are really safe from the coronavirus, which has infected more than 14,000 people in the country as of yesterday.

“I will not allow the opening of classes na magdikit-dikit ’yang mga bata na ’yan (where children would go near each other). Bahala na hindi na makatapos (We would leave it to fate if they don’t graduate). For this generation, wala nang matapos na doktor, pati engineer (no doctor or engineer will graduate),” the President said.

“Wala nang aral. Laro na lang (No more studying. Just play). Unless I am sure that they are really safe, it’s useless to be talking about opening of classes. That’s what I meant. Para sa akin, bakuna muna. ’Pag nandiyan na ang bakuna, OK na (For me, there should be a vaccine first. Once there’s a vaccine, it’s OK),” he added.

Duterte expressed hope that a vaccine would be developed by the end of the year.

“We will rely on the experts and the rich nations. They are feverishly working on it. Once (a vaccine) is developed, I will ask you to go out. If you refuse, I would drag you. Come on, let’s stroll around once there is a vaccine,” he said in jest.

“But without a vaccine, it’s really (dangerous). It spells disaster,” he added.