DepEd to distribute tablets, modules in risk areas

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to distribute 74,492 tablets and 87 million learning modules to students in “high and medium risk” areas under its Flexible Learning Options (FLO) program.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the DepEd said that through “strategic” early procurement activities installed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the items were delivered on time by suppliers and are now set for distribution.

“We made a commitment to fast-track learning resources and we are making good on that promise. EPA is more than just a procurement strategy. It is a game-changer in making sure no learner is left waiting,” Angara said.

The DepEd’s FLO provides learning options for students who cannot go to school for various reasons.

Among the options under the FLO program are flexible schedules and locations, as well as alternative methods of learning, depending on the personal circumstances and resources of the learner.

“These learning resources are designed to support learners who are studying independently, allowing them to learn at their own pace and make adjustments as needed,” Angara said.

The DepEd said the newly procured items are set to benefit around 300,000 learners in high and medium risk areas across 16 regions nationwide.

The DepEd said that through the tablets and learning modules, those under the FOL “would now have the necessary resources to continue their education through alternative modalities.”

The DepEd’s Bureau of Alternative Education had earlier delivered 2,975,000 modules and 330,000 session guides across 16 regions.

The DepEd said an additional P115 million was allocated to regions to reproduce locally developed modules, including 41 Accreditation and Equivalency Elementary modules and 41 A&E Junior High School modules, utilizing previous years’ FLO-Learning Resources funds.

The DepEd said nearly 300 alternative learning system (ALS) implementers have also undergone specialized training, supported by UNESCO, to enhance the effective use of the resources.

“As we strengthen our alternative education programs, we also make sure that our learners are equipped with crucial educational tools and resources to aid them in their learning and help them reintegrate into the educational system,” Angara said.

Under FLO, DepEd offers the Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) and ALS.

ADMs offer a menu of alternative learning delivery approaches and programs that cater to learners enrolled in the formal system, but for various reasons are at risk of dropping out.

It follows the K-12 curriculum, but does not follow the traditional classroom set up as it allows learning through modular distance learning, online distance learning, blended learning, open high school system, night high school, rural farm school and homeschooling.