Over 2,000 students benefiting from community learning hubs —OVP

More than 2,000 learners are already benefiting from the community learning hubs set up by the Office of the Vice President as the country transitions to blended learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a One PH television interview, Ibarra Gutierrez, spokesperson for Vice President Leni Robredo, said there are currently 12 community learning hubs in Luzon and Visayas ready to cater to the needs of students.

Gutierrez explained that the learning hubs are not like classrooms where students attend classes daily.

Instead, the hubs are centers where students can get additional help or visit when they need to submit their online requirements.

The hubs offer free access to computers, gadgets, equipment, internet and tutors, but not face-to-face classes due to the health crisis.

“Walang face-to-face learning sa community learning hub. Ang intensyon talaga rito mag-provide ng space para doon sa ating mga nag-aaral na walang kakayahan o hirap maka-access sa internet sa kanilang lugar,” he said in the interview.

However, Gutierrez said the OVP will reassess whether to continue the project amid the DepEd’s response.

“Gusto rin namin ng kaunting clarification o paglilinaw mula sa DepEd. Kasi ayaw naman natin na kung sa tingin nila talagang may mali na nangyayari rito, eh ayaw naman naming ipagpilitan. So we will attempt to reach out din para maayos and hopefully, ma-plantsa kung ano man ang aberyang mayroon doon sa level na iyon dahil sa totoo lang, maraming mga LGU partners na natutuwa talaga rito,” he said.

Earlier, Education Secretary Leonor Briones distanced the Department of Education from the project, saying it is not sanctioned by the department.

However, Gutierrez, in a statement on Tuesday, said the DepEd did not oppose the establishment of the hubs and even thought it was a good initiative.

Gutierrez lamented that the students benefitting from the project are being overlooked.

“Medyo nasasayangan ako na nao-overlook sa buong usapang ito. Tulad ng ibang mga ginawa ng OVP, imbes na ang focus nagiging doon sa mga taong natulungan o doon sa merit ng initiative, nauuuwi na naman tayo doon sa, ‘Ay hindi, hindi kami nakipag-partner sa inyo.’ Eh wala namang nagsasabi noon, eh,” he said.

“Ang klaro rito alam niyo na mayroong ganito. Kinonsulta namin kayo, kausap namin kayo noong ito ay kino-conceptualize, humingi kayo ng detalye binigay namin, and at no point in the process ay sinabihan niyo kami na ‘huwag niyong ituloy dahil hindi ito puwede,’ walang ganoon, eh,” he added.

Further, the OVP has assured that the learning hubs are safe and are disinfected regularly. There is also a schedule for students to make sure there is physical distancing inside the hubs.

“May rotation iyong mga learners doon sa learning hub para matiyak natin na habang nagpupunta sila doon, habang ginagamit nila iyong facilities, hindi sila napu-put at risk sa ano mang—kasi pangunahing concern pa rin natin kalusugan at safety ng ating mga learners at siyempre iyong mga nagtatrabaho rin na nagvo-volunteer doon sa learning hub,” Gutierrez said.

The OVP previously said the project is an initiative of the OVP, local government units and the private sector.

Lessons this school year may be given via online classes, or via use of printed modules, or use of TV and radio due to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News