opening of classes

Ahead of school opening, Robredo proposes solutions to readiness issues, teachers’ concerns

Bonz Magsambol

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Ahead of school opening, Robredo proposes solutions to readiness issues, teachers’ concerns

Vice President Leni Robredo underscored the youth's role in nation-building and making communities better, when she spoke before youth and student leaders of Malay, Aklan, for the Ugyon Pamatan-on leadership forum, held Thursday, 08 November 2018. The event was organized by the Pambayang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan Ng Malay (PPSK) and the National Alliance of Youth Leaders, Inc. (NAYL), in their bid to develop young leaders in the community. Photo by OVP

OVP

'We are, ultimately, united in the goal of ensuring the continuity of learning and the welfare of our educators,' Vice President Leni Robredo says in her letter to Education Secretary Leonor Briones

Two weeks before school opening, Vice President Leni Robredo wrote to Education Secretary Leonor Briones to recommend solutions to readiness issues raised by stakeholders, as well as teachers’ concerns.

In a letter dated August 10 and received by the office of Briones on August 11, Robredo said she consolidated the concerns and recommendations that her office had received from education experts and advocates, teachers, parents, and students who hoped that the Vice President’s office “may offer a path towards being heard.”

“Rest assured that we understand the complexity of the challenges before us,” the Vice President told Briones.

“We are, ultimately, united in the goal of ensuring the continuity of learning and the welfare of our educators. We submit these insights and recommendations in the spirit of solidarity so that we may all, as one nation, build the better normal that our people deserve,” she added.

Fill in gaps in internet access

To address internet access concerns, Robredo said that the government should consider setting up internet hubs in schools and communities where they are needed. (READ: No student left behind? During pandemic, education ‘only for those who can afford‘)

She noted that 61% of Philippine households don’t have access to the internet while 74% of schools don’t have infrastructure needed for distance learning.

Robredo said she also received reports that only 7 million students – 35% of the estimated 20 million public school students in the country – had subscribed to the web-based learning portal Department of Education (DepEd) Commons, which allows students to access lessons on their own.

“It seems evident that the front-end domino to responding to these challenges is access to the internet. Perhaps it would be prudent for government to devote significant resources in setting up internet hubs in schools and communities, so that the gaps in access are addressed,” she said.

Clear framework needed

Robredo said effective communication would help solve issues such as concerns of teachers in terms of getting copies of the self-learning modules (SLMs) to prepare for the school opening, and the programs DepEd had set for the coming school year.

“A clear framework communicating why these programs are needed, and how to implement them, may be of help in assuaging the teachers’ concerns,” Robredo wrote.

While the DepEd had said that SLMs are already available in DepEd Commons, Robredo said this has to be communicated to teachers in a “more efficient manner.”

She added that “there is uncertainty about who will cover the expenses of printing, reproducing, and distributing the modules. “

“Schools with proactive local governments can cope better…. For areas that are not similarly situated, however, it becomes even more important for the Department to fill the gaps in reproducing and distributing such materials, and to move expeditiously to fill them, given that the opening of classes is fast approaching,” Robredo said.

Ensure teachers’ health

Robredo also cited the growing health concerns of teachers who are still waiting for the DepEd’s “concrete plans” for them in case they get infected with the coronavirus. (READ: No budget for treatment of teachers with coronavirus – DepEd official)

“These anxieties are becoming more pronounced given that they, too will be among the frontliners when the new school year opens,” Robredo said.

The Vice President gave these recommendations:

  • Set up COVID-19 mass testing mechanism specifically for teachers, with testing and distribution of results done before classes begin;
  • Set aside sufficient funds for physical checkups of teachers and medicines
  • Ensure that teachers have the right materials to do their work, including supplies such as PPEs, hand sanitizers, and other protective equipment
  • Ensure the regular and prompt release of teachers’ hazard pay
  • Create a system to address the health and wellness needs of teachers
Rethink fund use

Robredo said her office had been receiving numerous requests for teaching supplies which highlighted “the need to rethink how our resources are being utilized and how teachers can gain access to additional resources.”

She recommended the following:

  • Around P29.5 billion had been allotted for the rehabilitation of school buildings in 2020, but given the shift to distance learning, this should not be a priority for now. This can be used to procure gadgets and equipment for distance learning, and address the health concerns of educators.
  • Senator Panfilo Lacson had pointed out that a significant amount of the 2019 DepEd budget was not utilized. Robredo said “these funds could be requested as support for our teachers this coming school year.”
  • P700 million has been allotted for teachers’ training this year. Since many of these activities would be done online, DepEd would not have to spend on travel and accommodations, freeing up funds that can be used for teachers’ support, among others, including COVID-19 testing.

The Vice President also recommended that the DepEd establish a “mechanism for transparency” so the public would know how much is left of the budget and where it is being used.

“If the public – primarily, the teachers who are our main implementers – are apprised of the Department’s resources, including how much is left and where the budget is going, then they will come to understand the Department’s challenges and be part of the consensus-building process regarding which programs and still be effectively implemented,” she said.

Empowering vs restrictive approach

Robredo also reiterated private schools’ concerns about DepEd’s “non-negotiable” requirements on distance learning and urged the department to consider a different, “more empowering” approach.

“This is burdensome given the dynamic nature of the teaching-learning process, especially at a time of great adjustment for educational institutions, many of whom are facing dwindling enrollment, and whose teachers do not all have same degree of competence to deliver the online mode,” she said.

“Rather than approach educators from a restrictive frame of mind, perhaps a more empowering and support-driven approach will be more effective,” she added.

The DepEd shifted to distance learning this coming school year following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to postpone face-to-face classes until a coronavirus vaccine is available. (READ: Senators remind DepEd: New law allows class opening past August during calamities)

But many have criticized the DepEd’s decision to open classes in the middle of a health crisis. (READ: No student left behind? During pandemic, education ‘only for those who can afford’)

Teachers themselves have been asking the DepEd to delay classes to a later date to give them more time to prepare for the digital shift. (READ: 3 weeks into school opening, teachers say they still don’t have copies of learning modules)

Despite this, Briones said classes will begin on August 24 in “whatever form.” (WATCH: Handa na bang magbukas ng klase sa Agosto 24 ang Pilipinas?)

Ironically, the DepEd launch of the “school readiness program” on August 10, was marred by technical glitches. (READ: Technical problems force DepEd to postpone launch of school ‘readiness’ program)

The Philippine government has allowed “limited” face-to-face classes in low-risk areas in the country starting January 2021. (READ: Duterte allows ‘limited’ face-to-face classes in low-risk areas)

As of Wednesday, the Philippines recorded 143,749 COVID-19 cases, including 2,404 deaths and 68,997 recoveries. – Rappler.com

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Bonz Magsambol

Bonz Magsambol covers the Philippine Senate for Rappler.