Teacher solon doubts DepEd's readiness to open classes 2 weeks from now

ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro on Tuesday questioned the readiness of the Department of Education for the upcoming school year, pointing out issues that reportedly have yet to be resolved just two weeks before the opening of classes on August 24.

In a statement, Castro raised the concern of many teachers who she said are complaining about the lack of funds for the printing and distribution of modules as well as the lack of support from the DepEd in terms of internet, transportation, and provision of personal protective equipment.

"Nakakatanggap tayo ng mga ulat mula sa mga guro mula sa iba't-ibang rehiyon na hanggang ngayon ay kulang pa rin ang mga modyul na mayroon sila para sa kanila mga mag-aaral," she said.

"Nauuwi pa nga minsan sa pamamalimos muli ng mga guro para lamang makapaghanda para sa balik-eskwela dahil hindi naman binibigay ng DepEd ang mga kagamitan para sa pagprint ng modules," she added.

Castro added there were instances where modules are shared between two students, which she said is problematic as this cannot ensure that children are protected from the transmission of illnesses.

The department should likewise ensure that teachers and non-teaching personnel are provided with guidelines for the safe distribution of learning materials to students, Castro said.

"Teachers are forced to go house-to-house just to deliver learning materials in some regions. Because of this, they have to provide, from their own pockets, personal protective equipment such as face masks and face shields to protect themselves from getting the disease," she said.

"Some of these teachers would have to use the public transport system because the education department does not provide transportation for the teachers. These additional tasks to be able to implement the blended learning modes puts teachers and other school personnel at higher risk of getting the COVID-19 virus," she added.

Castro pointed out that teachers are considered frontliners as well when it comes to the delivery of education to students, and the government must ensure that they are given sufficient PPE as well as free and safe transportation in distributing learning materials to students.

"If the Department of Education continues to neglect the demands of teachers, non-teaching personnel and parents, transmission among the population the virus will continue and millions of children will be disenfranchised, even those who have enrolled who may likely drop out later," she said.

"What is the continuation of education for if it is not safe, accessible and quality education?" she added.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Monday maintained that classes will open on August 24 despite opposition of groups of teachers.

“Ang pagbubukas ng eskuwelahan ay August 24. Ito ay blended learning. Walang face to face. At sa mga lugar na may risk assessment galing sa IATF, susundin natin ang kanilang patakaran,” she said. -MDM, GMA News