ADVERTISEMENT
Malacañang urges Congress to expedite passage of DepEd's 2021 budget
By JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS,GMA NewsMalacañang on Sunday called on Congress to fast-track the passage of the Department of Education's (DepEd) budget, to support the shift to flexible learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an emailed statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. cited the need to support the DepEd as the education system shifts more to online learning methods.
"The system may not be perfect and there may be issues as we shift to flexible learning, which includes modular learning and supplemented by broadcast and online classes; but we are confident that DepEd would address these challenges," he said.
"In this connection, we ask Congress to expedite the passing of DepEd’s budget, which includes support to these new learning approaches," he added.
The statement comes a day ahead of the official opening of classes in the country, which has already been pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are optimistic with the opening of classes in public schools tomorrow, October 5, as the Department of Education (DepEd) assures the parents and the students that they are ready for the opening of classes in this period of COVID-19 normal," said Roque.
The DepEd earlier moved the opening of the school year 2020-202
ADVERTISEMENT
Data from the DepEd found that over 24 million students have enrolled for the upcoming school year.
However, those from the poor and marginalized sectors have expressed concern over the shift to blended learning, given the difficulty to afford a stable internet connection and the lack of the necessary gadgets.
The DepEd has since rolled out television programs to aid in distance learning for students, with 27 professional teachers hired to serve as broadcasters.
Under the P4.506-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2021, the DepEd will have the biggest slice of the budget with an allocation of P754.4 billion. — DVM, GMA News