Caraga RDC supports inclusive education amidst pandemic
By HAZEL O. FUENTES
BUTUAN CITY– In preparation for the resumption of classes during the ‘new normal’, the Caraga Regional Development Committee (RDC) has extended their support to the implementation of inclusive learning despite the challenges posed by the current health crisis.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga has been preparing for distance learning through alternative learning modalities such as online learning, blended learning, modular learning and TV/Radio-based instruction for the opening of classes on August 24. Radio and television will be used as a mode of teaching delivery for students who do not have access to a computer and/or other similar devices or the internet.
To date, 649,000 or 85 percent of learners in the region have been enlisted.
DepEd Caraga regional director Francis Cesar Bringas disclosed that while a concrete strategy to implement the said learning modalities, enabling TV/radio-based instruction remains a challenge due to the lack of funding to secure airtime.
The Social Development Committee (SDC) of the council has initiated to lobby the said concern to the DepEd Central Office and engage the Congress to authorize DepEd for the said expenditure to be used in light of the 3- or 6-hour daily air time.
“Aside from the 30-hour per month free of charge public service time provided by TV/radio stations, DepEd needs to earmark budget for the airtime of the educational materials to the far-flung areas,” said cluster chairperson and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Bonifacio Uy.
The Committee agreed to endorse to the Caraga RDC the request for Congress through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to provide funding for the procurement of airtime to broadcast educational materials and instructions for SY 2020-2021.
Director Bringas also noted that the welfare of all those involved in the implementation of the blended learning will be given the utmost attention.
“DepEd Caraga will give utmost priority to the health and safety of the teachers, parents and learners as the department prepares and ensures that education continues under the “new normal,” he affirmed. (NEDA Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
