DepEd to probe ‘defective’ radios handed out to students

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz –The Department of Education (DepEd) Capiz Division will investigate the alleged factory defects on some transistor radios distributed to Kindergarten to Grade 2 learners in the province of Capiz.

Dr. Salvador Ochavo Jr., DepEd Capiz Division Superintendent, said he ordered a recall of some transistor radios after receiving reports from teachers and parents that they suffered electric shocks when they plugged it to electrical outlets.

Ochavo said they expected the radios to be in good condition as these passed the screening.

At least three bidders passed the bidding for the radios. DepEd Capiz gave away 28,743 transistor radios, including 772 with defects that were made by a supplier from Negros Occidental.

The radios were supposed to be used by the students under the hybrid learning setup.

The DepEd has already coordinated with the supplier while the defective radios are with the property custodian for validation.

Ochavo has apologized for the defective transistor radios.

Earlier, a 57-year-old housewife from barangay Tamulalud Dumarao, Capiz died after she was electrocuted when she plugged in one of the radios in an electrical outlet.

DepEd Capiz Division has extended financial assistance to the family of the victim.