Some lawmakers are proposing that no student should be given failing marks amid the challenges posed by distance learning as the country faces the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Habang ‘di pa po normal, sana wala na lang bumagsak para po ‘di na lang ma-pressure ang mga esudyante in transition to online learning. Dapat mabigyan ng pantay-pantay na oportunidad ang mga estudyante kahit anumang parte sila ng bansa (While the situation is not yet normal, no one should be failed to prevent putting pressure on our students in the transition to online learning. Students in different parts of the country must be given equal opportunities),” Senator Christopher Go suggested.
“For the next six months, huwag muna nilang pass or fail. Siguro pasado muna lahat (Do not pass or fail [students] for the next six months. All of them should be passed for the meantime) until we can come up with the vaccination program, until we can go back to face-to-face [classes],” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri added.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is now trying all possible modalities including the distribution of printed modules, online materials, and the utilization of TV and radio for those who do not have internet access.
Around four out of ten school division offices of the DepEd in the country have completed printing more than 50 percent of self-learning modules for the first quarter of school year 2020-2021.
DepEd Undersecretary Toni Umali said they will not risk the welfare of students, parents, and teachers in their decision to open classes on August 24.
“Doon po sa mga lugar na dineklarang MECQ, wala pong pamamahagi ng mga self-learning modules o retrieval na mangayayari (There will be no distribution of self-learning modules or retrieval for areas under MECQ),” Umali clarified.
The DepEd also assured 50 percent of teachers have completed their training for distance learning and around 23 million students have enrolled.
Meanwhile, senators are encouraging the DepEd to utilize Republic Act No. 11480 which allows the President to set a different date for the opening of classes through the recommendation of the DepEd Secretary.
– Report from Eunice Samonte
