UN, Unicef, other bodies welcome start of limited in-person schooling in PH

The United Nations (UN), United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) support the Philippine Government in welcoming children back to schools as the country starts its pilot of limited and voluntary in-person schooling in minimal-risk areas. The said initiative highlights that school attendance is critical for children's social development and continued learning.

"We commend the Department of Education (DepEd)'s leadership that enabled the start of in-person classes and its coordination with relevant agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH). We acknowledge DepEd's continuous efforts in ensuring learning continuity for children not participating in the pilot as well as efforts of local government units (LGUs), school staff, health workers, and parents to support the delivery of quality education," the UN bodies jointly said in a statement.