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Duterte to buy radios for alternative learning amid COVID-19 crisis

By MA. ANGELICA GARCIA,GMA News

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said he would look for funds to buy radios to far-flung areas as the country transitions to alternative modes of learning in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Ang radyo is hindi naman mahal. Baka kung magtagal ito talaga, sayang ang panahon. We might buy the radio at P300. Maibigay sa lahat ng barangay para yung mga mahirap may communication sila sa mga teacher nila,” he said in a televised briefing with Cabinet officials.

“Wala tayong pera ngayon. I will look for money to buy transistor radios,” Duterte said. “We will try to come up with something in the next few days. Maybe before the end of the week I would be able to look for the money.”

Earlier, Education Secretary Leonor Briones proposed that devices such as television and radio, not just online platforms alone, will be used when the classes open in August.

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She said the Department of Education will also tap radio and television networks to ensure delivery of lessons.

Complying with Duterte’s directive, Briones maintained that face-to-face classes would not be held until a COVID-19 vaccine is available.

The opening of classes is on August 24. -NB, GMA News