DepEd hit for lack of learning materials

MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) scored the Department of Education (DepEd) over the supposed lack of printed learning materials documented in various public schools nationwide.

In a statement on Monday, the ACT said the DepEd has failed to provide learning modules for some subjects, including Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health for Grade 1; Araling Panlipunan for Grades 2-7 and 9; Science for Grades 5-6; Filipino for Grades 6-8; and Math for Grades 6-8 and 10.

It also cited the lack of learning modules for Grade 11 in the General Academics; Humanities and Social Sciences; Accountancy and Business Management; and Technical and Vocational Livelihood (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) strands.

“At the onset of K-12, teachers have protested, among others, the government’s lack of preparation to implement such. But the existence of the same problem six years later is already tantamount to neglect,” ACT national chairperson Jocelyn Martinez said.

The DepEd has yet to respond to ACT’s statement.

But in an earlier statement, officials said teachers may access learning modules uploaded on the DepEd website and print these using the schools’ maintenance and operating expenses.

Martinez, however, noted that some teachers have been forced to pay for printing and reproduction of learning materials using their own money.

She said the shortage is indicative of the resource allocation problem, adding that the budget for the education sector falls short of the ideal six percent minimum share in the country’s total budget.