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Even though the school year 2020 to 2021 was delayed for several months due to COVID-19 restrictions, students were able to complete their formal education because of digital technology. Despite its success, the United Nations Children's Agency still urges nations to speed up the return to regular classes now that vaccines are being given out all over the world.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic indicated that a highly transmissible virus poses a threat to all humanity. Our globalized environment is shaped by mobility, migration, and millions of international passengers, making virus containment more difficult. We should have the basic weaponry in a war between humans and viruses, such as masks, gloves, and equipment. However, even for frontliners like health workers and teachers, there was a shortage of these essential medical tools and personal protective equipment throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has authorized the resumption of face-to-face learning in regions deemed low risk for COVID-19, with up to 90 schools cleared to participate. The Philippines is one of the 17 countries worldwide where schools have been closed for a long time during the pandemic, resulting in students "18 months of missed learning," according to a report UNICEF issued. 

The loss of our physical classroom environment is disheartening. Some fields are not being taught ideally as they require practical application of their knowledge which is limited in an online set-up. It is believed that the resumption of limited face-to-face classes should push through. It should be an option in places where there are lower active cases and high vaccination rates as the Philippines has been one of the last countries not to conduct face-to-face classes. With the proper rules and guidelines implemented, no student will be put at risk and left out. 

Learning is built on relationships, which is what makes school so unique. The teacher has an important role in interacting with individual children and their families, as well as creating a community in which students can form friendships. For our social-emotional well-being and academic success, our connection to one another and the community is more crucial than ever.

Going into a battle without armor is deadly, and just like the implementation of returning back to face-to-face classes, it could be as pernicious if not done right. Utilizing the control measures like the masking protocols, physical distancing, and proper ventilation would give peace of mind to the educators, learners, and all the people involved when we return to in-person learning. As we prepare for the fall with much uncertainty, it is essential to reflect on what we have learned, what we have tried, and what has worked to plan and build engaging and successful remote learning strategies that suit the needs of diverse learners.