NEW NORMAL FOR EDUCATION: P320M needed for modular learning

Iloilo City will need at least P320 million for materials and consumables required for modular learning in all public schools in school year 2020-21 as face-to-face classes might no longer be part of the new normal.

According to City Mayor Jerry Treñas, the estimated P320 million budget for the modular learning will only cover paper, ink, and other consumables.

“Bag-o lang kami katapos meeting sa DepEd, daw problema gid ang education subong. Kon sa modular learning, ang estimate sang Department of Education (DepEd) nga gasto about P320 million,” Treñas said in a press conference on Tuesday.

As face-to-face option and classroom setting may not be possible at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Modular Distance Learning makes use of individualized instruction that allows learners to use self-learning modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy, whichever is applicable in the context of the learner.

Treñas said the city can only allocate P42 million for the modular learning through a supplemental budget.

The city is also reeling from the pandemic as it is facing a P340-million revenue shortfall amid the pandemic.

DepEd Secretary Leoner Briones has previously announced that the opening of classes for School Year 2020-2021 will push through on August 24, 2020.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed on July 17, 2020 Republic Act (RA) No. 11480 which amended RA 7797, the law that sets the opening of classes on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August.

RA 11480 authorizes the President, upon recommendation of the DepEd, to “set a different date” for the start of classes nationwide or in specific parts of the country during emergencies or crises. (ERS)