Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda is eyeing to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) in implementing the blended or distance learning modality via the internet and television to give access to students especially in remote areas of the province.
This came as President Rodrigo Duterte approved the proposed blended or distance learning introduced by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread in the country.
According to Governor Pineda, it is high time for the local government to recognize the vital role of mass media and even social media via the internet to serve as an alternative modality for learners during this time of the pandemic.
“Since hindi tayo puwede ng face-face interaction habang wala pang vaccine for COVID-19, we need to find other practical alternative modalities para sa mga estudyante,” he said.
During the public hearing of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan with various television networks, cable, and internet providers in the province, Central Luzon Television, popularly known as CLTV 36, introduced “Teleswkela,” a digitalized and virtual mode of teaching for students in the province.
“Teleskwela is a partnership with DepEd. CLTV 36 is offering its services upang matiyak natin na ang mga kabataan ay hindi titigil ng pag-aaral,” Sonia Soto, general manager of CLTV 36 stated.
Soto said their company offered “free” airtime to maximize DepEd’s virtual learning programs and as a way for the company to provide public service to Kapampangan learners.
“In Teleskwela, all grade levels will be given one hour air time, umaga hanggang gabi, from Monday to Friday, while ‘yong mga normal programs naman namin sa CLTV 36 will be aired ng gabi, “she added.
For their counterpart, Soto revealed that DepEd, with the help of the provincial government, is willing to subsidize the company with its electrical costs to operate.
On behalf of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Second District Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres commended the initiative set by the TV network to address the demanding needs of the ‘new normal’ in providing education to the students and ‘reshaped’ educational environment.
Governor Delta meanwhile assured the public that the provincial government is doing all necessary steps to iron out the plans for the students this school year.
“Hinihintay ko po ang final plan ng DepEd para tingnan po natin kung papaano tayo makakatulong sa kanila. Nag-appeal po tayo sa DepEd na magkaroon ang province ng standard approach kung paano natin madedeliver ng husto at epektibo ang edukasyon para sa mga bata. Gusto po kasi nating pahalagaan ang pera ng probinsya at mapunta ito sa tama,“ he added. (PR)