The Department of Education reiterated that they will not be requiring students to buy gadgets or attend online classes even as the education system in the country shifts to a “blended” form of learning.
This reminder came after an incoming Grade 9 student took his own life in Barangay Fidel Surtida in Santo Domingo, Albay earlier this week.
According to the mother the 19-year-old student, her son became distressed about the expenses the family might incur for the shift to online learning.
DepEd expressed their condolences to the family.
“We are not blind to the reality that not every learner has the same resources. We are continuously setting up policies, plans, and processes that are inclusive and responsive to the realities to ensure no learner will be left behind during this crisis and beyond,” DepEd said in a statement.
“Preparations are underway to implement home-based learning through any or a blending of TV, radio, online, and printed modules. These modes will be offered accordingly depending on the capacity of our learners’ households.”
Classes are expected to begin on August 24 and expected to end in April 2021.
Aside from a mix of online and printed modules, DepEd also plans to use government radio and TV station to deliver distance learning to rural areas.
Face-to-face classes are postponed until a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order.
