MANILA -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday expressed optimism that the resumption of the face-to-face classes this August will spur economic activity and propel the country towards greater progress.

In his weekly vlog, Marcos urged all concerned government agencies to do their best to ensure that the 100 percent in-person learning will be successful, noting its importance in reviving the economy amid the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the full implementation of face-to-face classes is good for the economy as it is expected to open up other sectors such as transport, food, retail, and business.

“Kaya’t kapag ito (face-to-face classes) ay naging matagumpay, hindi lang ito balik eskwela kundi balik negosyo, balik hanapbuhay at balik kaunlaran,” the President said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier announced that the school year will start on August 22.

Blended learning will still be allowed until October 31 while all public and private schools are expected to transition to the five-day in-person classes starting November 2.

Marcos said some 15.2 million learners are enrolled for school year 2022-2023.

“Kailangan natin maintindihan na ang bilang ng tao na apektado sa pagbubukas ng face-to-face classes ay higit pa sa numerong ito,” he said.

“Kakailanganin ng mga estudyante na mag-commute papuntang eskwelahan. Kaya’t ang ating transport sector ay muli ring magkakaroon ng karagdagang trabaho.  Kailangan din ay handa ang mga pampasaherong sasakyan na ipatupad ang minimum safety standards.” he added.

He also cited the need for adequate school supplies and materials for students returning to in-person learning.

“Kailangan rin ng mga estudyante ng mga school supplies at materyales. Isama mo na ‘yung pagkain kaya’t ang ating retail industry ay may karagdagang influx din ng salapi,” he said.

Marcos noted that parents will now have time to return to work since children are no longer homeschooled.

Unemployment will also be addressed, added Marcos, and more jobs will be available once in-person learning resumes.

“Ito’y masasabi ring malaking tulong sa malawakang kilusan natin ng pagbubukas ng ekonomiya. Maraming industriya ang magiging bahagi at makikinabang sa hakbang na ito kung kaya’t dapat nating siguruhin na ang lahat ay handang-handa,” he said.

Marcos, meanwhile, called on individuals to get their booster shots to ensure the safe reopening of classes this school year.

He noted that around 15.9 million Filipinos already received their first booster shots while 1.2 million got their second booster jabs.

He stressed that the government’s target is to vaccinate all eligible Filipinos.

Marcos then reiterated his appeal to the local government units to help in the booster vaccination campaign and encourage more people to get their jabs. (PND)