Binay urges telcos to waive charges on DepEd online learning site

Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday urged telecommunication companies to permanently waive internet fees for students and teachers when accessing the Department of Education’s education platform.

Earlier, DepEd announced that students and teachers could access DepEd Commons without any data charges on their Globe, TM, Smart, Sun and TNT-powered smartphones to ensure learning continuity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a budget hearing at the Senate, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said there was a temporary arrangement with the said telcos regarding the online educational platform.

Meanwhile, Binay said she hoped the arrangement would be permanent.

“Permanent na sana… Maybe with my colleagues in the Senate and together with you Secretary Liling (Briones) ay baka puwede na pagtulung-tulungan ma-convince the telcos na ibigay ng libre or ‘wag na i-charge ‘yong data para doon sa mga users ng DepEd Commons,” Binay said.

“Sana matuloy ‘yong ganitong tie-up. Baka puwedeng i-CSR (corporate social responsibility) na ’to ng mga telcos natin dahil malaking tulong ‘to para sa mga magulang ‘pag ‘di na sila nababawasan ng load nila for data,” she added.

Briones said she already met with Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications representatives to discuss the said request.

“I suppose they are reflecting. Maybe some words of encouragement from the legislature will also be of help,” Briones said.

Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua also said whitelisting between the telcos and DepEd for this initiative is already ongoing.

“There are certain limitations sa period but continuously kausap naman namin ‘yong telcos,” he said. — DVM, GMA News