DepEd asked to report online learning challenges

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has requested for a report from the Department of Education (DepEd) on the challenges teachers faced during the pilot implementation of the blended and online learning last school year.

The City Council wants to know these challenges so the city government can determine which area or aspect of the blended and online learning it can help.

Councilor Jessica Resch sponsored the resolution on the matter, which was approved by the council.

“After a whole school year of blended and online learning, it is but apt that this Sanggunian be able to check on the well-being, morale, and situation of our teachers and students, and, at the same time, provide the necessary assistance needed in areas where they have been immensely challenged,” said Resch.

Resch said that last school year, majority of the students and teachers in the city struggled to cope with the sudden changes in the learning set-up and raised various concerns— ranging from the limited to no internet access, delay on the delivery of modules, and scarcity of supplies and equipment.

In addition, the City Council commended and expressed its “deepest gratitude” to all the teachers in the city “for continuously doing their jobs despite the countless odds and for never giving up on our students.”

The council requested the Office of the Mayor, through the Local School Board, to expedite the processing of the pertinent documents for the release, in advance, of their Teacher’s Day bonus.

“In recognition of their hard work, determination, and love for their chosen profession, it is but proper that they be commended and, more importantly, rewarded,” said Resch.

DepEd has issued DepEd Order No. 029, series of 2021, or the School Calendar of Activities for S.Y. 2021-2022, in accordance with its commitment to learning continuity amidst the health crisis.

As approved by President Rodrigo Duterte, the order has set the 13th day of September 2021 as the opening date for S.Y. 2021-2022.

The conduct of face-to-face classes, still, will not be allowed, whether in partial or full, unless permitted by the Office of the President. — JMD (FREEMAN)