The lawmakers cited errors in learning modules and the concerns of parents regarding the challenges of distance learning.
“A lot of our parents didn’t even finish elementary or high school, so they don’t have the confidence of teaching their children at home,” Basic Education Committee Chairman Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian pointed out.
“Dalawang linggo ang nakalipas binuksan na ang sabungan, pero ang eskwelahan sarado pa rin? I think it’s most important na bigyan natin ng kahalagahan ang edukasyon. Alam naman natin na hindi super spreader ang eskwelahan (Two weeks have passed and cockpits have been opened, but schools remain closed. I think it’s most important to value education. We know that schools are not super spreaders),” Sen. Imee Marcos claimed.
Senator Nancy Binay also brought up the policy allowing students to travel to known tourists destinations but not to schools.
The DepEd said the matter will be included in its report to be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte.
Meanwhile, the learner survey of the DepEd has shown that smartphones play a bigger role in the distance learning of students compared to other gadgets with 6.2 million students utilizing smartphones. Around 1.9 million have laptops, 2.7 million have TV with cable, 3.8 million have TV without cable, and 3.6 million with internet connection non-smart phones. – Report from Eunice Samonte