‘Kawawa ang walang kakayahan’: DepEd urged to test distance learning before schools open

MANILA – The League of Provinces of the Philippines is urging the Department of Education to pilot test distance learning strategies before the opening of classes this August.

LPP president and Marinduque Gov. Presbitero Velasco Jr. said many areas in the provinces do not have stable internet connection. He added not all students have or can afford to buy computers, laptops or tablets that they will use for distance learning.

"Mahirap ang di sigurado lalo na kung mafu-frustrate ang mga estudyante at ma di discriminate ang iba dahil walang smartphone," he told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

"Kawawa ang mga walang kakayahan na bumili ng ganyan," he added.

The LPP is pushing for a postponement of class opening to either October or November instead of August 24.

DepEd earlier said it is pursuing various distance learning modalities given that face-to-face classes are not allowed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It said it is preparing printed modules for those without internet connectivity or gadgets at home. "We will also complement these with educational television programs and radio-based instruction," it said in a statement.

ABS-CBN TeleRadyo, June 19, 2020