DepEd Bicol and Western Visayas Share Progress on Blended Learning Preps

The League initiated another online dialogue with the directors of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Bicol and Western Visayas to discuss the implementation progress of the DepEd’s Basic Education – Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) for the upcoming school year.

The regional dialogue is a continuation of the League’s partnership with the ABC+: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines, a USAID-funded education project working to strengthen the DepEd’s capacity to support and sustain improvements in reading, math, and socio-emotional skills among early grade students in Regions V, VI, and in the province of Maguindanao in BARMM.

Region V Director Gilberto Salud, DepEd, Region VI Director Ma. Gemma Ledesma and local public education stakeholders from Bacolod, Escalante, Roxas, Iriga, Legazpi, and Iloilo attended the dialogue. The education leaders fleshed out issues regarding the implementation of the BE-LCP, which aims to make basic education more responsive to the needs of learners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current strategies

During the dialogue, both DepEd regional offices confirmed using modular learning as the primary mode of instruction for SY 2020-2021. A substantial amount of the regional budgets have been allocated for producing sufficient printed learning modules. 

Both regional DepEds have also set their sights on TV- and radio-based instruction to accompany modular learning. Plans are underway to coordinate with the National Telecommunications Commission to use local radio stations and television channels. They also plan to ask barangay LGUs to let them use barangay halls as venues for TV-based instruction.

It was revealed that only a small learner population in both regions would avail of online learning due to issues in internet connectivity and access. Thus, local public education stakeholders have opted to devote their efforts to the most cost-efficient alternatives in blended learning.

To address gaps in the production and distribution of learning modules, both regional offices have intensified the campaign for radio-based instruction (RBI).

DepEd - Region V Director Gilbert Sadsad shares an overview of the region’s preparations for the Basic Education – Learning Continuity Plan of the DepEd

“In our region, we have 48 local radio station partners by the different divisions,” said Director Sadsad. “We have already conducted several dry runs using RBI and modules. Crisis, wars, and pandemic should not stop us from providing education. Learning must continue.”

Issues and solutions

Both regional DepEd directors mentioned funding gaps, particularly in the internet and communication allowance of teachers and in the printing of modules and teaching materials. Logistical issues were also cited, especially in the distribution of materials to learners residing in far-flung areas.  

To address these issues, both regional education departments proposed strengthening partnerships with cities, provinces, and municipalities under their respective jurisdictions for the optimal use of the SEF and engaging Brigada Eskwela partners.

DepEd - Region VI Director Ma. Gemma Ledesma reports on the status of enrolment in the Western Visayas Region

Support for K-3 learners

The education leaders welcomed programs that cater to the specific needs of learners from kindergarten to grade 3 (K-3). These include storybooks, activity sheets, and learners’ materials written in the mother tongue and daily lesson plans for K-3 teachers. Early grade students are not independent learners and therefore require targeted interventions appropriate for their learning capacities. 

The League is a strong advocate of collaboration for the success of DepEd’s learning continuity plan. It is an avid believer of the vital role of the regions in translating national visions to concrete, actionable items at the local level. Thus, the League commits to continue working with cities and regional DepEd offices to carry out the most cost-efficient way of providing public education to achieve the best possible outcomes for learners.

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