Teachers, parents, students face problems ahead of opening of classes

Teachers, parents, and students gearing up for the opening of classes encountered roadblocks ahead of the start of school year 2020–2021 on Monday.

According to Katrina Son’s “24 Oras Weekend” report on Sunday, teacher Marcelina Dumaguing found several issues with the printed learning modules that have already been distributed to students.

“Marami pong problema. Walang page lahat po ‘yan tapos ‘yung printing tapos may mga correction po… paano na e na-distribute na naming ang mga module sa mga bata?” she said.

Dumaguing said parents who do not know how to navigate tools for online classes like Zoom are also another cause for concern.

One parent, meanwhile, obtained a cellphone for her child’s online classes but is still at a loss as to where to get money for mobile load.

“Wala naman po kaming pambiling load para sa kanila. Bibili na lang ng pagkain, ilo-load pa. Kaya doon po kami nahihirapan ngayon,” a mother said.

In Laguna, second year college student Maria borrows a laptop to attend online classes.

In order to get a good signal, however, she must cross a river and climb a mountain.

Teachers in Dumaguete City also need to pass through muddy areas and a mountain to bring modules to students.

In Catanduanes, teachers have to pass through ravines and cross a river and hanging bridge to reach students enrolled in an alternative learning system.

Despite the obstacles, the Department of Education maintained that they are ready for the opening of classes.

“Handa na po tayo sa unang araw ng pasukan bukas. Mayroon po tayong humigit-kumulang na 162 radio stations nationwide na naka-partner po natin at nakahanda na po ‘yan para i-ere ‘yung mga modules,” Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali said.

“At 207 TV channels and stations din naman po ang maaaring magpalabas ng ating mga video episodes ng ating mga modules,” he added.

On Saturday, the Department of Education said that 24.72 million students have enrolled for the coming school year. The department also said it has distributed over 533 self-learning modules. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News