Gatchalian ‘convinced’ distance learning can start on Aug. 24

The Philippine education sector is ready to start distance learning on August 24, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said on Thursday.

"Yes, I'm convinced by August 24, ang distance learning ay kakayanin natin. Most of the school divisions na nakausap ko ay ready," Gatchalian, chair of the Senate committee on education, said in a virtual interview.

He added that the school divisions he surveyed were "80 to 90 percent" ready, in terms of the preparations for the self-learning modules to be distributed to the students.

Webinars and other training for teachers are also ongoing, he added.

The detailed plan for the TV- and radio-based instructions will be discussed by the Department of Education in a meeting with the senator this Saturday.

Gatchalian said he thinks only a shift back to an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) could hamper the opening of classes which is just a month away.

"Ang nakikita ko lang diyang puwedeng maging dahilan para iurong ay kung babalik tayo sa ECQ this coming August dahil under the ECQ bawal lumabas lahat," Gatchalian said.

"Kasi ang distance learning mayroong paghahatid ng module eh at physically lalabas ang guro at magulang, di naman sabay-sabay, may schedule naman 'yan," he added.

The Palace warned that Metro Manila may return to a modified ECQ if the COVID-19 cases in the country reaches 85,000 on July 31.

As of July 23, the total number of infected in the Philippines is 74,390.

Gatchalian reiterated his position that limited face-to-face classes must not be allowed even in low-risk areas as the school year starts next month.

Acknowledging the DepEd's clarification that face-to-face classes may only start in January 2021, the lawmaker said it could be possible by then.

"January 2021 is six months away, tingin ko kakayanin naman mag-face-to-face by that time kung itong vaccine ay October lalabas na at huhupa na ang cases natin," he said. — BM, GMA News