Bill seeks to prohibit classes set earlier than 8:30 in the morning

MANILA, Philippines – A bill was recently filed seeking the prohibition of classes set earlier than 8:30 in the morning.

Bill seeks to prohibit classes set earlier than 8:30 in the morning
Rep. Greg Gasataya is seeking to prohibit classes earlier than 8:30 a.m. | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Rep. Greg Gasataya

Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya filed House Bill 569 seeking to ban classes earlier than 8:30 in the morning in all schools under the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

According to Gasataya, the 8:30 am class schedule puts students in undue stress due to the "state of transportation, amount of workload under the new K-12 curriculum, state of mental health in the country, and accessibility of schools especially in rural areas which are just some of the conditions prejudicial to the health and safety of Filipino students.”

Because of these factors, the lawmaker urged the House to adopt an "integrated and comprehensive approach to health development in schools."

Gasataya added that it's the responsibility of the state to give utmost priority to the "physical, mental and social well-being" of our students.

Gasataya also cited that classes in other countries start much later and showed some studies that it correlated to higher improvement in student performances and achievements.

Aside from benefiting students, the proposed class schedule would also give help mothers or caretakers since it will give them ample time to prepare in the morning.

The lawmaker, who is the vice chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education in the 17th Congress, also authored several House Bills related to education.

Gasataya filed HB 568, which seeks to provide a scholarship grant to persons with disabilities (PWD) and their children. Another bill he submitted was HB 573, which focuses on improving the mental health programs in state universities and colleges.

— Sally, The Summit Express



Previous Post Next Post